“I’d rather win with a 25 average than lose with a 105” - Cameron Menzies survives low-key Slovak opener as Gerwyn Price test awaits

Cameron Menzies was nowhere near his best at the Slovak Darts Open, but Bratislava still sent him into round two. A 78.74 average was enough for a 6-1 win over home qualifier Gabriel Varaljay, setting up a Saturday evening meeting with Gerwyn Price.

The Scot never found top gear in a scrappy opening-round contest, with Varaljay averaging 70.70 on his European Tour debut. Still, Menzies did enough to stay clear of danger and made clear afterwards that the result mattered far more than the numbers.

“I think if you look at darts in general, it’s always about the win, no matter what the averages are,” Menzies said. “I’d rather win with a 25 average than lose with a 105 average, so it’s all about winning.”

Menzies broke on double 16 for a 2-0 lead, then moved 3-0 up on double five. Another break on double 20 took him to 4-0, but the match never developed into a fluent performance. Varaljay got himself on the board at 4-1 after Menzies missed 96 for a fifth straight leg. The Scot quickly restored control on double eight for 5-1, before returning to the same target to close out the match.

The level will need to rise quickly. Price, the fourth seed in Bratislava, enters the tournament in round two and gives Menzies a far sharper test than his opening assignment.

When Price was mentioned in his post-match interview, Menzies initially joked, “Who?” before immediately making clear the respect he has for the Welshman.

“Gerwyn Price is obviously a legend of the game and one of the best players in the world,” he said. “He’s done that for years. He’s a world champion for a reason.”

Menzies also made a point of praising the Slovak setting after ending Varaljay’s run. The host nation qualifier was one of four Slovak players in the first-round draw, with the tournament marking a new stop on the European Tour calendar.

“All I’m going to say is, Gabriel from Slovakia has qualified here and this is the first of many,” said Menzies. “I will guarantee darts in Slovakia will get better. Bratislava, what a city by the way. Gabriel is one of four qualifiers. I hope you’re here for many, many more years to come because what a city, by the way.”

For Menzies, the opening night was never about style points. It was a job done, a place in round two secured and Price waiting less than 24 hours later.