Cameron Menzies defeated Rusty-Jake Rodriguez in straight sets to kick off his 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship campaign with victory on Friday's opening night.
The Scotsman - who reached round two on his debut last year - celebrated his second win on the Alexandra Palace stage, in a result which could prove to be career-defining.
“[The win] means a lot to me because I’m trying to keep my Tour Card and I want to go forward.
“The World Championship is career-changing. I can win three games here and that can change my life.
“I know for a fact my scoring is not as good as the best. I know in spells it can be as good as the best but 201 down is the difference between the top ten and where I’m at.
“Unfortunately with my finishing, today it might be good, tomorrow it can be poor."
Menzies' preparation for his first round tie was somewhat unusual, after he spent the morning plumbing before taking to the biggest stage in world darts.
“I’ll be honest with you, I never thought this would happen, I was really panicky today," revealed the 34-year-old.
"I know I was working today but it kind of chilled me out a little bit. It made me realise darts is a hobby.
“I’d like to be in a situation where I can give up my job and take this full-time, but I’ve got a long way to go.”
Coming into this year's World Championship, Menzies sat 63rd on the PDC Order of Merit, although his victory on Friday provisionally lifts him to 52nd in the world.
The former Lakeside Championship semi-finalist is fighting to remain in the top 64 come the end of the tournament, although he's set his sights on breaking into the world's top 32 in the future.
“I might still have a Tour Card after this, but I’ll be honest with you, I think this year I’ve played better than last year," he continued.
"Average-wise, I don’t think I’ve had the results, and this is the cut-throat of this sport.
“I don’t think I’m a bad player. I don’t think I’m a top 32 [player], I get that. I want to get to that level but it’s so cut-throat because there’s so many good players out there.
“It’s a great sport right now, this sport right now is bouncing.”
Menzies’ partner Fallon Sherrock will take to the stage on Sunday evening, as the former Women's World Matchplay champion opens her challenge against Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena.
The pair have been drawn in different quarters of the draw and could therefore only meet in the semi-finals, and Menzies spoke of his relief to avoid the ‘Queen of the Palace’.
“There’s a handful of players you don’t want to get and Fallon’s up there with one of them," Menzies admitted.
“I know for a fact up there she’ll batter me. On that stage, it’s her stage.
“Her mindset is miles better than mine. She is so composed about everything.
“If I wasn’t with Fallon I might still be a decent darts player, but she’s definitely made my darts better. She’s helped my career massively.”
Menzies will now switch his attention to a second round showdown against number 11 seed Dave Chisnall later this afternoon, as he bids to break new ground in the capital.
Chisnall has struggled for form on the televised stage in 2023, but has picked up three European Tour titles as well as winning two Players Championship events.
“It might not be his greatest season, but up there [on the stage] it’s a different story," insisted Menzies, a winner of four Challenge Tour titles.
“I’m up there shaking like a leaf, I’m a bunch of nerves so that’s different from anywhere. I don’t think your season matters because up there is a different feeling.”
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Saturday December 16
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Lee Evans v Sandro Eric Sosing (R1)
Connor Scutt v Krzysztof Kciuk (R1)
Jules van Dongen v Darren Penhall (R1)
Dave Chisnall v Cameron Menzies (R2)