Cameron Menzies will face Diogo Portela on Saturday the 17th of December at the Alexandra Palace. The Scotsman has never played at the event before but he isn't a player to be taken for granted. This week he's been speaking to 'Tungsten Tales' about all things World Darts Championships.
The 33 year old seems surprisingly calm about making his debut at the Palace - for now.
“I’m usually quite calm before the storm, usually on the day or the day before the nerves then start kicking in. I’m quite calm at the moment because I haven’t really been thinking about it as I don’t want to stress too much.”
'Cammy' will be the first to admit it's been a long time coming for him getting to the Alexandra Palace, however he feels he's in a great position entering the tournament.
“I think I’ve
gradually got better, I’m chuffed I’ve got to Ally Pally as that was the aim
this year and it has been an aim since I was a young boy.”
Although he has never played in front of the crowd he has been to watch the darts at Alexandra Palace and more specifically to see his partner Fallon Sherrock. So he most definitely knows what the atmosphere is like. However watching it will be a very different experience to standing there at the oche - but the Scotsman seems excited for the experience.
“It’s mental
how you started at pub level and then the difference to a couple of people
shouting at you to then thousands of people singing along = I’m looking forward
to it.”
However things could've been a lot different for him depending on the draw. For instance if he drew Sherrock in the first round things could have been slightly tense at home.
“We was watching thinking, its going to happen it’s going to happen but I’m quite glad we didn’t. On a positive note, at least one of us would’ve got to the second round but it wouldn’t have been a good time in the house if we’d have played each other.”