SCAFFOLDER Mark Frost just missed out on an astonishing upset at the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool last night.

Frost, from Blythe Bridge, took five-times world champion Ray van Barneveld to a tie-break in their first-round clash at the Winter Gardens, but was edged out 11-9.

Frost – known as 'Frosty the Throwman' – was left rueing missed doubles after a titanic battle of nerves.

He missed six darts at a double to lead 10-9 and then two attempts at double top were off target in the next leg.

Barneveld cashed in to book a second-round clash with Tony Eccles tomorrow night.

Frost said: “I'm gutted. I know Raymond's a fantastic player and I missed a few doubles in the tie break.

“But I'm glad I put up a good show.”

Frost practised with Phil Taylor in the countdown to the biggest match of his life. He had qualified for Blackpool thanks to 'The Power's sponsorship that allowed him to travel to Las Vegas earlier this month.

He got off to the perfect start against world number two Van Barneveld.

Frost took the opening leg against the throw after hitting a maximum 180 and went on to hit back from 4-2 down to lead 6-4.

Barneveld won the next four legs, but Frost won the 15th leg against the throw with a 102 finish to trim the gap to 8-7. He then won the next to level the best-of-19 legs match.

Frost missed a dart at double 16 for a 149 finish and a 9-8 lead, but he took the next to level at 9-9 to send the match into a tie-break.

Frost started the tie-break with a 180, but missed six darts at a double for a 10-9 lead.

Van Barneveld snatched the leg and took the next and the match after Frost missed two darts at double top.

Van Barneveld said: “Everyone seems to play their best darts against me! Mark played brilliantly.”