Menzies Shines in Victory Over Van Barneveld at European Darts Grand Prix

Cameron Menzies stole the show on the opening day of the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix, while three former champions made an early exit in Sindelfingen. The year's fifth European Tour event kicked off with an action-packed day at the Glaspalast, as Menzies produced a dazzling display to defeat a spirited Raymond van Barneveld 6-3. The 36-year-old finished strongly, winning legs of 11, 13, and 13 darts to secure a 104.5 average and his fifth consecutive victory over the Dutch legend. Menzies, who faces former European Champion Ross Smith in the next round, said: "I felt fantastic out there. I wish I could play like that all the time." Van Barneveld was not the only former World Champion to bow out, as Rob Cross and Peter Wright lost to Mickey Mansell and Jeffrey de Zwaan, respectively. Stream Premier League Darts with NOW. Other former champions, including 2019 winner Ian White, also crashed out, losing 6-2 to European Darts Trophy champion Wessel Nijman. However, Kim Huybrechts avoided a similar fate, beating Dirk van Duijvenbode to begin his bid for a second European Darts Grand Prix title. German star Niko Springer will face defending champion Gary Anderson on Saturday, after thrashing newcomer Robin Masino 6-1. Michael Unterbuchner impressed on home soil, landing three ton-plus checkouts during his deciding-leg win against William O'Connor. Unterbuchner's victory sets up a clash with two-time champion Michael van Gerwen, while Joe Cullen will play top seed Gian van Veen after a 6-1 win over Maik Kuivenhoven. Dave Chisnall and Gerwyn Price will meet in a blockbuster tie, after Chisnall closed out a grueling 6-4 victory against Czechia's Petr Krivka. Keane Barry sealed a 6-3 win against Niels Zonneveld, setting up an enticing clash with Premier League star Josh Rock in round two. Kevin Doets, a semi-finalist in Munich earlier this month, will face Jermaine Wattimena in an all-Dutch affair after fending off a valiant fightback from compatriot Jurjen van der Velde. Damon Heta navigated a tough opening assignment against Madars Razma, and German number one Martin Schindler awaits the Australian on Saturday evening. Valters Melderis edged past Czechia's number one Karel Sedlacek to become the latest Latvian to triumph on the big stage. Oskar Lukasiak advanced in dramatic fashion, relinquishing a 5-1 lead against Daryl Gurney before eventually sealing the win with his tenth match dart. Last year's runner-up Andrew Gilding and Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski completed the round two line-up, after defeating Host Nation duo Paul Krohne and Michael Hurtz, respectively.