The 2025 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open erupted into life at Prague’s PVA Expo, igniting the darts world with electrifying performances on its opening day, September 5. Among the standout moments was Scottish star Cameron Menzies’ commanding 6-3 victory over Ian White, a performance that showcased his flair with a ton-plus average and a dazzling 140 finish. This triumph has set the stage for a blockbuster second-round showdown against Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion and world No. 2, on Saturday, September 6. As the European Tour’s eleventh stop unfolds, Menzies’ success signals the start of what he calls a “crazy” few months ahead for the Ayrshire ace.
Menzies, known for his stylish play and relentless drive, was in scintillating form against White, reeling off five consecutive legs at one point to seize control of the match. His highlight reel included a near-perfect leg in the sixth, where he went six darts into a nine-darter, only to fall just short. “I’m buzzing to play, in my opinion, the best darts player in the world,” Menzies declared, his excitement palpable as he prepared to face Littler. “I’m a massive fan of Luke Humphries, but I feel Littler right now is the man.” This clash promises to be a highlight of the tournament, pitting the seasoned Scot against the 18-year-old prodigy who has taken the darts world by storm.
Littler, fresh off a commanding victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp last weekend, enters the Czech Darts Open as the second seed, bypassing the first round. His 2024 performance in Prague was nothing short of spectacular, setting a tournament-record average of 110.43 in a 6-1 rout of Nathan Aspinall. Now, as he prepares to defend his World Championship title at Alexandra Palace in December, Littler’s clash with Menzies is a crucial step in maintaining his momentum. The teenager’s meteoric rise, marked by six major PDC titles, including the 2025 World Championship at age 17, has made him a formidable force. Yet, Menzies’ confidence and recent form suggest he could pose a real challenge.
The opening day in Prague was not short on drama. Nathan Aspinall delivered a 6-0 masterclass against local qualifier Jiri Brejcha, while Dirk van Duijvenbode secured a 6-4 win over Cor Dekker, setting up a second-round battle with defending champion Luke Humphries. Humphries, the world No. 1, is aiming to repeat his 2024 Czech Darts Open triumph, where he demolished Kim Huybrechts 8-1 in the final. Elsewhere, shocks abounded as Daryl Gurney fell 6-4 to Kevin Doets, and Krzysztof Ratajski dismantled Raymond van Barneveld 6-1. The tournament, boasting a £175,000 prize fund with £30,000 for the winner, is a critical battleground for players vying for ranking points and prestige.
Menzies’ journey to this moment has been one of grit and determination. His victory over White, a three-time European Tour event winner, underscored his growing stature on the PDC circuit. As he prepares to face Littler, Menzies carries the hopes of Scotland alongside Peter Wright, who takes on Benjamin Pratnemer after Gary Anderson’s late withdrawal. The Czech Darts Open’s second round, scheduled for Saturday, will see other heavyweights like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Rob Cross enter the fray, promising a day of high-octane action.
With the tournament progressing to the third round on Sunday afternoon and culminating in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in a blockbuster evening session, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend. Menzies, embracing the underdog role, sees this as a chance to make a statement. “It’s going to be crazy,” he said of the months ahead, which include major events leading to the World Championship. Whether he can upset Littler and spark an unlikely run in Prague remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Czech Darts Open is poised to deliver unforgettable moments in the heart of Europe’s darts fever.
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