Cameron Menzies stole the show on the opening day of the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix, as former champions Rob Cross, Peter Wright, and Ian White suffered early exits in Sindelfingen. Menzies produced a dazzling display to defeat Raymond van Barneveld 6-3, averaging 104.5 and extending his winning streak against the Dutch legend to five matches. 'I felt incredible out there. I wish I could consistently play at that level,' Menzies said, looking forward to his round two clash with former European Champion Ross Smith.
Van Barneveld, a former World Champion, wasn't the only big name to fall, as Cross and Wright lost to Mickey Mansell and Jeffrey de Zwaan, respectively. Mansell's clinical performance earned him a 6-2 win and a meeting with seventh seed Stephen Bunting, while De Zwaan's hard-fought victory set up a showdown with newly-crowned German Darts Grand Prix champion Nathan Aspinall. Other notable winners included Kim Huybrechts, who began his bid for a second European Darts Grand Prix title by beating Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Niko Springer, who thrashed newcomer Robin Masino 6-1 to secure a Saturday showdown with defending champion Gary Anderson.
Michael Unterbuchner landed a hat-trick of ton-plus checkouts during his deciding-leg success against William O'Connor, setting up a clash with two-time champion Michael van Gerwen. Joe Cullen will face top seed Gian van Veen after a routine 6-1 win over Maik Kuivenhoven, while Gerwyn Price and Dave Chisnall will meet in a blockbuster tie after the eight-time European Tour winner closed out a gruelling 6-4 victory against Czechia's Petr Krivka. Keane Barry converted clinical 124 and 130 checkouts to seal a 6-3 success against an in-form Niels Zonneveld, setting up an enticing clash against Premier League star Josh Rock in round two.
The action continues on Saturday, with the afternoon session featuring Mike De Decker against Krzysztof Ratajski and the evening session including Ross Smith against Cameron Menzies and Gerwyn Price against Dave Chisnall.