MUIRKIRK man Cameron Menzies came agonisingly close to perfection as he secured another big stage win.

The 36-year-old is looking to build momentum this week as he competes in the latest PDC European Championship event - the Baltic Sea Open.

The tournament will be the last Cammy competes in before playing in the World Matchplay later this month after qualifying for the major tournament for the first time.

Menzies lined up against 18-year-old Yorick Hofkins, who was making his European Tour debut, in the first round on Friday, July 11.

An inspired performance from the youngster saw the Muirkirk maestro on the verge of an early exit, trailing 5-3 in a race to six legs, before a moment of magic saw Cammy re-assert himself in the match.

He opened the ninth leg with a maximum 180, following this up with a 177 in his second throw.

Menzies was left to checkout 144 to achieve darting perfection - a nine dart finish.

Cammy pinned the required two treble 20s with his first two darts, but his final arrow fell the wrong side of the double 12 wire.

It would have been a first nine darter on the big stage, in front of the crowd for the 36-year-old but it wasn't to be.

Though Menzies would go on to tidy up the remaining 24 points on the next visit - and the leg helped inspire an impressive 6-5 comeback win for the Scot.

He will now face Ryan Searle in the second round of the Baltic Sea Darts Open on Saturday, July 12.