SCOTT Mitchell took the positives after missing double-12 for a nine-darter and losing in a last-leg shoot-out across two European tournaments.

The Dorset county star fell 5-3 to Mario Vandenbogaerde in the Italian Grand Masters semi-finals before a dramatic loss to friend Mark McGeeney in the Finder Masters quarter-finals last weekend.

Mitchell claimed group stage wins over Europe Cup pairs partner Dan Day and Wouter Vaes in the Netherlands.

However, a stunning final leg against the throw from Lakeside number one seed McGeeney, which included a 177 and 180, prevented the Bransgore ace from a spot in the final four.

In Italy, Mitchell powered past Scott Waites and cruelly missed out on a nine-darter before his defeat against Vandenbogaerde.

Assessing his recent performances, Scotty Dog said: "It has been a tough year for me, so to keep qualifying for these events has been the most pleasing thing about it.

"It is unfortunate to lose a last leg shoot-out but some days they go for you and some days they do not.

"Mark McGeeney is a dear friend and it is not a problem. I was really pleased to get out of the group.

"What Mark did with a 177 and 180 against the throw in the final leg will happen one leg in 40 - it just doesn't happen very often, especially in a last-leg situation.

"It has been a good couple of weeks. I am playing quite tidily and doing some really good things, but, as with the nature of darts, you do some bad things as well."

Mitchell will face either Serbian Oliver Ferenc or Scotsman Ryan Hogarth in the first round at next month's BDO World Championship.

Before the trip to Lakeside, the 2015 champion will be in action for Dorset in their British Inter-County Championship Division One clash against London.

"I am really pleased with my form going into Lakeside," said Mitchell.

"I am one of the lucky players because we have a county game this weekend. A lot of the counties played last weekend so I have an extra week of competitive darts, which will hopefully work in my favour."