MENZIES “ECSTATIC” WITH VICTORY

By Phil Lanning

CAMERON MENZIES admitted he was “ecstatic” to grab a vital opening World Masters victory. 

The Ayrshire ace dumped Dave Chisnall 3-1 at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes last night (Friday).

Menzies, 35, delivered a superb display on the big stage, the first appearance since breaking down in tears at the World Championship last month. 

He revealed: “I don’t think it was a good game. I’m obviously ecstatic to win. Dave wasn’t the Dave we know, I feel it was scrappy. But you get those scrappy games.

“I’m trying to show myself on the TV stage this year that I’m actually better. My TV performances aren’t good enough. I didn’t play good, but I’ll take the victory.

“Dave’s a very good guy, great dart player, great career. I feel a bit gutted because I didn’t play the way I can, but it’s all about the wins.

“It’s not a sport about how you play, it’s about the victories and I’ll take that.”

Menzies will now face Nathan Aspinall or Andrew Gilding in the second round tonight (Sat).

He is delighted that his game remains on the up, adding: “I hope so because it’s been this way for the last couple of years. 

“My game on the floor is good. Maybe on the TV stage I try too hard. That’s different up there. That’s where the big boys turn up. That’s where the world champions turn up. That’s where the guys who are majors turn up.

“I’ve got a long way to go. I’m happy to win. I’m positive to win. I’ve done my best to get the win and I’m ecstatic to win, but I feel like there’s more in me than I’ve proved and I’m hoping I will one day prove it.”

Despite his oche success, Menzies insists he will stay in the day job.

He added: “The best bit can be the plumbing! I’ll be honest with you, my work has been amazing. They make my life easy. I’m very lucky these days that I could go professional darts, but I love the guys that I work with, I love the supervisors. They support me massively. They help.”