In a shocking turn of events at the PDC World Darts Championship, Scottish player Cameron Menzies, a seasoned competitor ranked as the 26th seed, suffered a heartbreaking first-round exit that culminated in an explosive display of frustration on the iconic Alexandra Palace stage. The 36-year-old, known for his passionate play, was defeated 3-2 in a thrilling five-set battle by 20-year-old English debutant Charlie Manby, a talented qualifier making his mark on the biggest stage in darts.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Menzies stormed ahead early, claiming the first set and building a 2-1 lead that had fans believing he was on course for victory. However, the young upstart, nicknamed “Champagne Charlie,” refused to be overawed. Manby clawed his way back, forcing a deciding set where nerves played a major role—both players missed multiple match darts before the debutant finally sealed the win on his seventh attempt at a double. It was a moment of pure elation for Manby, who described the victory as “absolutely amazing” and the greatest achievement in his budding darts career so far.
But as the celebrations began for one player, the atmosphere turned tense for the other. Overcome by disappointment, Menzies unleashed his fury on the drinks table beside the oche, punching the underside three times with forceful uppercuts that sent bottles flying. Blood quickly streamed from a deep gash on his right hand—his throwing hand—dripping visibly as he wiped it across his face. Referees stepped in to urge him to stop, and Menzies eventually raised his hands in apology to the stunned crowd before storming off stage for medical treatment.
Adding to the intrigue, fan-captured footage later revealed an even more bizarre prelude to the outburst. Moments before the punches, as post-match pyrotechnics fired off, Menzies was seen deliberately placing his bare hand over one of the fireworks, smothering the flame for several seconds until it extinguished. This reckless act likely caused burns in addition to the self-inflicted cuts from the table, leaving him with a potentially fractured or severely damaged hand that could sideline him for upcoming events.
This marked the second consecutive year Menzies has crashed out in the opening round at Ally Pally. Last December, he was reduced to tears after a loss to Leonard Gates, highlighting a pattern of emotional intensity under the bright lights of the World Championship. The pressure of the tournament, combined with personal challenges, appeared to boil over this time.
In a heartfelt statement released shortly after, Menzies expressed deep regret: “First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened. 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 went on to reference the recent passing of his uncle Gary, noting the emotional weight: “I saw him four days before he died and he gave me a look which told me how much he thought of me. 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.” Menzies emphasized that these difficulties were no justification for his actions, adding, “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.”
The Professional Darts Corporation responded swiftly, with chief executive Matt Porter stating: “I spoke with Cameron and his management before he left the venue, and he knows there is support available from the PDC and the PDPA [Professional Darts Players Association]. Any incident of this nature is reported to the Darts Regulation Authority for review, but our main priority is the player’s health and wellbeing.”
While no immediate disciplinary action has been announced, the incident has been forwarded to the Darts Regulation Authority, which could result in a fine or further measures for aggressive behavior. Commentators and former players have weighed in, with some expressing sympathy for Menzies’ evident struggles, while others stressed the need for better control on stage. One analyst noted that such outbursts, though born of passion, risk overshadowing the sport’s growing professionalism.
Menzies’ meltdown serves as a stark reminder of the intense mental toll darts exacts on its stars. In a game where precision meets pressure, emotions can run high, but this episode underscores the importance of support systems in professional sports. As the championship continues without him, fans and peers alike hope Menzies receives the help he needs to bounce back stronger. Meanwhile, Charlie Manby advances, carrying the dreams of a new generation into the next round.
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