Scotland’s hopes at this year’s World Cup of Darts will rest upon an intriguing alliance between veteran Gary Anderson and debutant Cameron Menzies, although questions have already been raised regarding whether the latter’s demonstrative personality could prove either a considerable advantage or a potential source of instability.
Menzies has secured his maiden international selection after surpassing Peter Wright in the Order of Merit, thereby earning the opportunity to join the two-time world champion in Frankfurt. The world number 29 has enjoyed a steady ascension over recent seasons and arrives on the international stage possessing both confidence and growing credentials.
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Nevertheless, the Ayrshire native has also become renowned for his conspicuous displays of emotion during competition. His reactions have occasionally become as memorable as the matches themselves, with incidents ranging from striking the furniture following his defeat to Charlie Manby at the World Championship to his extraordinary collapse to the floor after squandering a match dart against Mike De Decker at last year’s European Darts Trophy.
Commentator Chris Murphy believes the partnership possesses the capacity to become either one of the tournament’s most enthralling combinations or one fraught with complications.
Speaking on the Love the Darts Podcast, Murphy said: “I do think they are two individuals that have been put together.
“Total different characters. Both pretty much unplayable at their best, and this could go anyway.
“I genuinely think we could see either one of the most electrifying partnerships at the World Cup we have ever seen, or we can see them both fall out.
“If Menzies does start getting emotional, and it is pairs throughout now. You are not playing any singles games, and it becomes a distraction for Gary, that could annoy him.”
Despite those reservations, former professional Paul Nicholson believes Menzies’ exuberance can be transformed into a considerable asset, provided it is accompanied by the appropriate degree of composure and emotional equilibrium.
The 36-year-old has demonstrated undeniable signs of progression in recent times, reaching the semi-finals of the International Darts Open and collecting two Players Championship titles across the past two seasons. Such accomplishments have underlined the calibre that has enabled him to ascend into Scotland’s premier pairing.
Nicholson believes the key lies not in suppressing Menzies’ individuality, but rather in ensuring that his temperament remains sufficiently measured to positively influence his illustrious team-mate.
He added: “Yes, absolutely. I know that Cammy as an opponent is distracting for top players. But we cannot ignore the fact that he has played some good darts as of late.
“It’s not about that. It’s about what he brings to the table. If he brings a certain level of pizazz, it might have a nice effect on Gary.
“However, we have to talk about the emotional vulnerability that Cammy does have every now and again.
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“Recently he was playing in a tournament in Riesa. Saw him running next to the river and when he played and when he played on the Friday night and on the Saturday, he looked calm.
“That’s what he has to bring into this. He has got to portray some calm because that will have a good effect on your team member.
“This is what people have got to understand. I’ve learned this retrospectively as I found out what Simon Whitlock needed after the fact.
“I just needed to calm down a little bit and show that level of calmness. That’s what Cammy has got to try and bring.”
As Scotland prepares to commence its World Cup campaign, much attention will inevitably focus upon the fascinating juxtaposition between Anderson’s phlegmatic demeanour and Menzies’ more mercurial disposition. Should the pair discover the requisite harmony, they possess the attributes to become one of the most formidable and captivating duos in the competition.
Images: Main PDC, In piece – PDC Europe
