SCOTT Mitchell shared a message of thanks to fellow Dorset sporting star Chris Billam-Smith for his support after Scotty Dog's surprise early exit from the PDC World Championship.

Mitchell was favourite to overcome his Dutch opponent Chris Landman in the first round at Alexandra Palace earlier this month.

However, the Bransgore-based star had a debut to forget, crashing to a 3-0 loss after a string of missed doubles.

Watching on in the crowd was European cruiserweight boxing champion Billam-Smith.

The pair, who are both big Cherries fans, have become pals in recent years with Mitchell explaining how he helped get Billam-Smith a ticket to see him in action.

"That was amazing," Mitchell told the Daily Echo when asked about Billam-Smith's appearance among the crowd.

"Chris had spoken and said he’d love to go some day, so I passed on the email of the Matchroom people that sort the VIP out and Chris was there.

"I didn’t realise he was there actually, because I was so focussed on what I was doing. Until I won a leg and turned round in the third set then I saw him and I pointed at him and said ‘oh my God, you’re here!’.

"That might’ve given me a lift to get the two legs that I got, I don’t know. It was the start of the third set I realised Chris was there.

"I’m so pleased that he came along and he had a great time.

"I just wish I could’ve won for him as well because he’d have had an even better time if I’d have won, it would’ve worked out a better experience."

After the match, Billam-Smith posted a short video on Twitter, showing the Alexandra Palace crowd singing Mitchell's name as he looked to stage a fightback during the third set.

And while it was an ultimately fruitless task, Scotty Dog was grateful to see that clip.

"I’m pleased he came along and watched some of the games and enjoyed the atmosphere and he actually did a tweet on his Twitter about the fans singing my name," explained Mitchell.

"That’s pretty cool. That cheered me up no end actually.

"After the game (daughter) Katie came to me and said 'look, don’t feel too downhearted, this is what the crowd were like'.

"And she showed me what Chris had tweeted. So big thanks to him because he did lift me.

"Hopefully I get ringside for one of his fights one day and I can do the same for him."