SCOTT Mitchell’s Grand Slam of Darts campaign ended in disappointment as early missed doubles cost him dear against Stephen Bunting.

The 48-year-old from Bransgore went into the clash knowing victory would be enough to secure his progress to the last 16 for the first time.

But Mitchell’s hopes quickly evaporated at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, the former Lakeside champion condemned to a 5-1 defeat.

It had all started so well for the Dorset county star after he crafted a clear opening in the first leg. But four wayward attempts at doubles gave Bunting a lifeline which he gratefully grabbed.

A similar story developed in the second, Mitchell twice faltering on double 16.

Bunting was too good in leg three but ardent Poole Pirates fan Mitchell finally got off the mark next, rounding off four ton-plus visits with a double eight finish.

Another quartet of ton-plus efforts followed but Bunting did not permit his opponent a 13th dart.

Bizarre scenes ensued in the final leg, when Mitchell missed double top high of the wire and, upon his return to the oche, attempted double 10 and double five when he should have targeted tops once more.

Bunting duly mopped up, with Mitchell set to receive £5,000 in prize money for finishing third in Group G.