The darts community has been rocked once more by the raw emotion and physical toll that the sport can exact on its players. Scottish pro Cameron Menzies has broken his silence in an emotional first interview since suffering a severe hand injury during the recent PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The incident, which unfolded in heartbreaking fashion before Christmas, has left lasting damage, forcing Menzies to confront both his physical limitations and deep personal regret.
The outburst occurred in the aftermath of a first-round defeat to debutant Charlie Manby, a 20-year-old newcomer who stunned the crowd with his composure. Frustrated beyond measure, Menzies repeatedly struck his drinks table with forceful punches, splitting open his throwing hand and causing blood to pour from the wound as he left the stage. He immediately apologized for his actions, but the consequences proved far more serious than anyone anticipated at the time.
Speaking after his return to competitive action at the SUPERBET Poland Darts Open—the first European Tour event of 2026—Menzies opened up in a post-match interview following a hard-fought 6-4 victory over former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse. Displaying the prominent scar on his hand to the camera, he described the ordeal with unflinching honesty. “Basically I’ve no feeling in my fingers anymore because of the damage I’ve done, so I’ve been struggling massively,” he revealed. The numbness affects his grip and sensation, a devastating blow for a player whose livelihood depends on precise dart control.
Menzies detailed the grueling recovery process that followed. “I couldn’t throw for six weeks. I had to go through surgery. I’ve still to go through hand treatment and trauma,” he explained. Doctors had warned him of the potential severity, noting that tendons or nerves “could have been severed.” He consulted a specialist to repair the damage, and while the outcome allowed him to return to the oche, the road back has been anything but smooth. “I was lucky that it was not as bad as it could have been. I’m lucky I can still play,” he admitted, acknowledging how close he came to a career-ending setback.
The emotional weight of the incident has weighed heavily on Menzies. He described moments of profound despair during his layoff, confessing that he came perilously close to quitting the sport altogether. “I’ve made a massive mistake in my life,” he said, reflecting on the impulsive rage that led to the injury. “I’m not proud of it… No words could explain how I felt at that time.” The scar serves as a permanent reminder, both physically and mentally, of a moment he wishes he could erase. He has been open about the mental struggle, noting that the combination of physical recovery and self-recrimination left him “not in a good place.”
Despite the challenges, Menzies showed resilience in Krakow. His win against Edhouse marked a meaningful step forward, proving he can still compete at a high level even with compromised feeling in his fingers. He explained that he now holds the dart differently to compensate—”I hold the dart the other side so I am kind of lucky”—demonstrating the adaptations he has made to keep playing. The victory provided a boost of confidence as he navigates the early stages of the European Tour season, where the £175,000 prize fund and intense competition offer opportunities for redemption.
Menzies’ story resonates deeply within darts, a sport that often amplifies pressure on stage under bright lights and roaring crowds. His candid admission highlights the fine line between passion and frustration, and the real human cost when emotions boil over. Fans and fellow players have rallied around him, appreciating his vulnerability in sharing the ordeal. As he continues treatment and rebuilds his form, the hope is that this difficult chapter becomes a turning point rather than a defining one.
The darts world moves forward quickly, with major events looming and new talents emerging. For Menzies, the journey back involves not just regaining match sharpness but also finding peace with what happened. His willingness to speak openly may inspire others facing their own setbacks, reminding everyone that even in a game of precision and control, vulnerability is part of the human experience.
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