IN-FORM Scott Mitchell secured more silverware over the weekend after lifting the men’s pairs title with Richie George at the prestigious Dutch Open.

The duo emerged victorious from a field of more than 1,000 teams to trump outsiders Jamie Hughes from the West Midlands and his Dutch partner Willem Mandigers 5-2 in Friday’s final.

‘The Dog’ checked out with a 56 to scoop the prize alongside George – son of one of the game’s biggest characters Bobby George – and was quick to praise his regular right-hand man for his part in his latest success.

“You can’t have one of you hitting your doubles and the other not because it can affect your partner if they feel like they’re being held back,” said Mitchell.

“Luckily, we were both on it and only lost six legs all day. A couple of times we checked out 701 with just 15 darts which was pretty clever form from both of us.

“In a funny way there is more pressure on Richie to live up to his (family) name at these events but, fortunately, he is the sort of lad to just play through all that.”

“They (Hughes and Mandigers) had knocked out Scott Waites and Martin Atkins along the way and it was a surprise to face them in the final.

“You’re expecting a tough route but when there are surprises like that you have to step in and take full advantage which we did.”

Mitchell continued his quest in the singles and came through a series of matches on Saturday to make the last-64.

Johan van Onna was beaten on Sunday but there was a surprise in store for the Dorset darts talisman as unknown local Davy van der Zande ousted Mitchell in the last-32.

However, Mitchell declared himself pleased with his performance in Assen which saw him pick up valuable ranking points for next year’s Lakeside World Championship.

“It was a game I probably should have won but the local guy played really well,” he added. “At that stage of a competition you’re not going to be up against anyone that can’t play a bit.

“I missed four or five doubles and even lost a leg where I had got down to 11 after nine darts. The difference was those doubles because every time I missed one he took full advantage.

“The Dutch Open is the biggest event on the circuit in terms of the number of people taking part. There were about 2,600 people at the start so the matches come thick and fast and for it to take three days for someone to beat me is quite pleasing.”