In the electrifying atmosphere of London’s Alexandra Palace, known affectionately as Ally Pally, the World Darts Championship has long been a stage for triumph, heartbreak, and raw emotion. This year’s tournament delivered another unforgettable moment when Scottish darts star Cameron Menzies, ranked 26th in the world, faced off against debutant Charlie Manby in a gripping first-round clash. At 36, Menzies brought experience and grit to the oche, while the 20-year-old Manby, a rising talent from the Development Tour and a friend of teenage sensation Luke Littler, represented the fresh wave of darts prodigies hungry for glory.
The match unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, showcasing the precision and nerve that define the sport. Menzies surged ahead, claiming the first set and later leading 2-1, putting him on the brink of advancement. But Manby, undeterred, mounted a stunning comeback. In the decisive fifth set, Menzies had a golden opportunity to seal the win with three darts in hand. He nailed the first but missed the crucial double on his second attempt, opening the door for Manby. The young Englishman capitalized brilliantly, hitting a four, a two, and a double-one to clinch the 3-2 victory. As pyrotechnics erupted in celebration—sparklers lighting up the stage—Manby basked in the roar of the crowd, describing the moment later as “overwhelming” but “absolutely amazing.” It was a dream debut, marked by solid pacing and high-standard play that had the audience on their feet.
For Menzies, however, the defeat triggered an explosive reaction that stunned everyone in attendance. Leaning down to smother the celebratory sparkles, he then unleashed three powerful uppercut punches into the underside of the Paddy Power-branded drinks table. The impact was immediate and severe: his right hand split open, blood pouring from the wound as onlookers, including Manby and referee Kirk Bevins, watched in disbelief. Bevins quickly intervened, urging Menzies to stop. Amid boos from the crowd, the Scot walked off the stage, his hand raised in a gesture of apology as he realized the gravity of his outburst. Videos captured from the stands spread rapidly on social media, highlighting the raw intensity of the scene—from the pyrotechnics to the punches that left his hand mangled.
This wasn’t the first time Menzies had faced early elimination at Ally Pally. Just a year prior, he had been knocked out in the first round by Leonard Gates, breaking down in tears amid concerns for his father’s health in the hospital. Commentators reflected on the pattern of emotional strain. Former Premier League champion Glen Durrant noted during the broadcast, “For Cameron Menzies, I think he will regret that for the rest of his life. It was not a good watch.” His co-commentator Stuart Pyke agreed, calling it “an extraordinary reaction but we saw him walking off stage and he did put up his hand in apology. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
In the hours following the incident, Menzies issued a heartfelt statement, owning up to his actions while shedding light on the personal turmoil that fueled them. “First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened,” he began. “I am sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did. It’s not an excuse, but I have had a lot of things on my mind recently and I suppose it all just became too much at the end.” He revealed the heartbreaking catalyst: the recent passing of his uncle Gary, a man who had treated him like a son. Menzies had visited Gary just four days before his death, sharing a poignant moment where his uncle’s gaze conveyed deep affection and pride. Adding to the weight, a win against Manby would have scheduled Menzies’ second-round match on the very day of Gary’s funeral—a looming conflict that had been gnawing at him. “It has not been an easy time for me with my uncle Gary passing away recently,” Menzies continued. “I saw him four days before he died and he gave a look which told me how much he thought of me. He treated me like a son. Had I won the game against Charlie, my second match would have been on the day of Gary’s funeral and that has not been lost on me in recent days.”
Emphasizing accountability, he added, “Let me say again, that’s no excuse for what I did on the stage. It was the wrong thing to do and I don’t want it to take anything away from Charlie. He played well and deserved his win. This is not how I would like people to view me. Yes, I can get emotional at times, but not like that and that wasn’t right.” Manby, when asked about the meltdown, kept his focus elsewhere, simply stating, “I was doing my own thing. I couldn’t tell you really.”
The injury proved more serious than it first appeared, requiring an emergency hospital visit and surgery to repair the damage to his hand. Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) chief executive Matt Porter reached out to Menzies and his team, offering support from both the PDC and the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), with a priority on his health and well-being. The incident was formally reported to the Darts Regulation Authority, which could impose sanctions for aggressive or disruptive behavior under its rules.
Despite the setback, Menzies’ recovery has been remarkably swift, a testament to his resilience. Just weeks after the surgery, he’s gearing up for a return to competitive play. His comeback begins at The Battle of Four Nations event in Twickenham, where he’ll face off against formidable opponents like James Wade, Jonny Clayton, and Brendan Dolan. This exhibition serves as crucial preparation for his bid to qualify for the Winmau World Masters at Arena MK, the first major TV ranking tournament of the season. The PDC has confirmed that Menzies will compete in the Preliminary Rounds of the 2026 Winmau World Masters, signaling a positive step forward.
Menzies’ story underscores the immense pressures elite athletes face—not just the precision of their craft, but the personal battles that can erupt under the spotlight. From the highs of his quarter-final run at the World Grand Prix in October, where he defeated Chris Dobey and Rob Cross before falling to Luke Humphries, to this low point, his journey reflects the human side of sports. As he steps back onto the oche, fans will watch closely, hoping for a redemption arc that highlights his talent rather than his turmoil. In darts, as in life, second chances can lead to spectacular comebacks.
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