SLEEP-DEPRIVED darts star Scott Mitchell suffered double trouble at Sunday's Welsh Open as the speedway fan was trumped by an arch-rival in more ways than one.
Avid Poole Pirates follower Mitchell exited the Prestatyn showpiece in the last 32 against rookie Josh McCarthy - a Swindon Robins supporter - after he had been kept up all night by a birthday party at his hotel.
The Bransgore-based England international had raced through his first three ties in straight legs before a further two wins set up the showdown with his shale sport adversary but was “done in” by the time he took to the oche for his 4-2 defeat.
“It was a terrible night,” said Mitchell. “There was a 40th birthday party and there were kids and adults running up and down the corridors, banging on doors through the night.
“Halfway through the tournament I just couldn't keep my eyes open, but these things happen from time to time, it just goes with the territory.
“It is never good to be beaten by a Swindon fan but Josh is a real talent and took his chance well. It was disappointing for me because I have been in good form and tournament was being shown on Eurosport from the quarter-final stage.
“The ranking points did give me a further boost for Lakeside, so it wasn't all doom and gloom but it did feel like one that got away.”
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