SCOTTY ‘Dog’ Mitchell believes he can make it third time lucky at the Lakeside World Darts Championships – despite being paired against world champion Martin Adams in the first round.

The Bransgore darts ace is hoping to make the last 16 for the first time after twice exiting at the first round stage in Frimley Green.

Mitchell was beaten by Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney in 2010 and bowed out to eventual semi-finalist Jan Dekker this year.

But although pulling three-times world champion ‘Wolfie’ Adams out of the hat has made Mitchell very much an underdog, the 41-year-old landscape gardener believes he can pull off a giant-killing act when the event gets under way in January.

Mitchell told the Echo: “For me, that was the draw I wanted. In the past two years I have had so much expectation because I was playing players that weren’t household names.

“All the pressure was on me because people expected me to beat them. This year, I have the total opposite to that which is just what I wanted.

“I just want to go there and play and not worry about which Daryl Gurney is turning up or which Jan Dekker is turning up. With Martin, you know exactly what you are going to get, so it makes it easier in a way.

“You either play to his standard and give him a run for his money, or you don’t and you get beaten up.”

Mitchell believes number 12 seed Paul Jennings and his 2011 conqueror Dekker could be the ones to watch, with number two seed and World Masters champion Scott Waites also expected to end his Lakeside hoodoo.

Mitchell added: “I think some of the boys are upping their games to get on the Lakeside stage. Paul Jennings, who is the number 12 seed, has been unbelievable this year and he is one to watch.

“Garry Thompson beat me at the weekend in the Czech Open 4-3 in the last 16 and I don’t understand how he ever gets beaten.

“I did 11, 12 and 14-dart legs on the three legs I won and he did exactly the same on his throw. So, I basically lost it on the toss of a coin before the match.

“He is playing well and Jan Dekker has gone on and on after beating me at Lakeside last year. He has been sensible about what he has done and has slipped under the radar and is one to look out for.

“From my point of view, I just want to get to the second round. There won’t be too many people who will tip me to win the game against Martin and if I can do it, it would be a real giant-killing act.

“But I’m fully aware the odds are against me,” added Mitchell.