SCOTT Mitchell has set his sights on a successful Lakeside darts future by insisting: “I am still on an upward curve.”

The Dorset star believes he is yet to reach his peak as he plots the best way to make it over the second hurdle at the BDO World Championships.

Mitchell, the tournament’s 15th seed, looked ahead after being knocked out of the prestigious competition in a 4-2 defeat to James Wilson yesterday.

The Bransgore darter averaged almost 90 but despite recovering from two sets down to level at 2-2, he saw Wilson find an extra gear to claim a second-round win.

And although he again missed out on the latter stages at the famous venue, Mitchell is confident he is improving and that he will be back for another shot at glory.

Asked if there were more Lakeside appearances in him, he told the Daily Echo: “I believe there are.

“There is no reason why not. I am getting better and I am still on an upward curve at the moment.

“This is the pinnacle of BDO darts. When I think back to when I started on the circuit, I had a plan to get to Lakeside in five years. This was my fifth time and I mustn’t grumble.”

While Mitchell was left to rue missed opportunities against Wilson, he said he had been pleased by his overall performance levels in the clash.

“I made a couple of mistakes,” admitted Mitchell, who has also been working at Lakeside as a television pundit. “When you are playing against someone like James, you cannot miss doubles.

“Overall, I was delighted with how I played. It was nice to be consistent and I was very pleased with my performances. Against other players, I would have got through with that average.”