Scott Mitchell will compete in his fourth Lakeside World Darts Championship in January after playing a part in the PDC’s event which started last night.

Mitchell, pictured, competes on the British Darts Organisation circuit and will be aiming to get past round one for the first time when he faces Scotland’s Mark Barilli on January 6.

But the man from Bransgore on the edge of the New Forest has found a unique way of practising for his big day.

He switches on to Sky Sports to watch the PDC event in his lounge while preparing for hours of pratice in an adjoining room.

From the oche Mitchell has a clear view of the television and chooses a player to take on, complete with the background noise of Alexandra Palace.

Mitchell said: “I just decide which of the two players I’m going to play and wait for them to throw before I take my turn.

“Say I decide to take on Terry Jenkins – he throws then I throw and I try to beat him.

“It’s a good way of getting practice against some top players.”

Mitchell has decided not to get too embroiled with the build-up to the famous Frimley Green competition as he strives to make it into the second round for the first time.

“Scotty” – ranked 12th for 2013 – lost out to Martin Adams this year, Dutchman Jan Dekker in 2011 and Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney in 2010.

Mitchell added: “I am going to try and not put too much emphasis on it this time around. “There is so much hype at the Lakeside and from all the people around you. “I have learned that I need to try and treat it as if I’m playing in a super league match.”

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