In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, known affectionately as Ally Pally, the PDC World Darts Championship has delivered its share of drama, heartbreak, and unexpected humor during the early rounds. Fallon Sherrock, the trailblazing English player dubbed the “Queen of the Palace” for her historic achievements, bowed out in the first round with a 3-0 defeat to seasoned campaigner Dave Chisnall. Despite the disappointment, Sherrock provided a memorable and light-hearted moment that had the crowd buzzing, as she appeared to gently tease her former partner Cameron Menzies’ earlier on-stage outburst.
Just days before Sherrock’s match, Scottish darts star Cameron Menzies suffered a crushing 3-2 loss to promising debutant Charlie Manby, a 20-year-old Englishman making his mark on the big stage. Menzies, seeded 26th and favored to advance, had taken leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in sets, but Manby battled back relentlessly in a deciding set filled with missed opportunities on both sides. As Manby sealed the victory on double one after a tense exchange of missed match darts, the young underdog erupted in celebration.
In the heat of the moment, Menzies struggled to contain his frustration. Turning toward the drinks table on stage, he unleashed three powerful punches into its underside, causing water bottles to topple and drawing boos from the surprised crowd. The outburst left his right hand bloodied with a visible gash, requiring immediate attention as he was escorted off stage by the referee. Footage later emerged suggesting he had also briefly placed his hand near pyrotechnics in the emotional aftermath.
Menzies, 36, later issued a heartfelt apology, explaining that he had been grappling with personal challenges. “First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened. I’m sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did,” he stated. He revealed the recent death of his uncle Gary had weighed heavily on him, noting, “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.” The incident highlighted the intense mental pressures of professional darts, prompting support from the PDC. Chief executive Matt Porter confirmed, “I spoke with Cameron and his management before he left the World Championship, and he knows that support is available from the PDC and the players’ union.” The matter was referred to the Darts Regulation Authority for review, prioritizing the player’s wellbeing.
Fast forward to Thursday evening, and Sherrock took to the oche facing Dave Chisnall in her own first-round encounter. Known for shattering barriers as the first woman to win matches against men at the World Championship back in 2019, Sherrock entered with high hopes but struggled with her finishing. She converted only three of 23 double attempts, posting an average of 84.83 as Chisnall capitalized to secure a straight-sets win. Chisnall himself acknowledged the closeness of the contest afterward, saying, “That was massive. If she hit her doubles, that would have been very different. She scored well.”
Yet, amid the defeat, Sherrock displayed remarkable composure and a touch of humor. As she approached the same style of drinks table on stage during a break in play, she smiled broadly, placed her hand on it, and gently wobbled or shook it in a playful, exaggerated manner—clearly referencing Menzies’ earlier meltdown. The crowd quickly caught on, erupting in laughter and cheers at the cheeky gesture. It was a subtle, good-natured parody that lightened the mood, turning a moment of personal disappointment into one of darts’ endearing, banter-filled spectacles.
Sherrock and Menzies had shared a four-year relationship that began during the pandemic, blossoming from shared darts experiences into a high-profile partnership in the sport. They even competed as doubles partners early on, with Menzies once fondly recalling how their romance sparked over a casual KFC meal after years of knowing each other on the circuit. The pair parted ways amicably earlier in 2025, and Sherrock’s on-stage nod was widely interpreted as playful rather than malicious, reflecting the resilient spirit of the darts community.
The PDC confirmed no disciplinary action would be taken against Sherrock for her antics, viewing them as harmless fun. In a tournament known for its passionate highs and lows—from nine-darters to comeback thrillers—these interconnected stories underscore the human side of the sport. While Menzies’ reaction stemmed from deep emotional strain, Sherrock’s response showcased grace under pressure, reminding fans why she’s earned her royal nickname at Ally Pally.
As the championship progresses toward its January finale with a record prize pot, moments like these add to the unique charm of darts: a blend of fierce competition, raw emotion, and unbreakable camaraderie. Sherrock may have exited early, but her spirited gesture ensured she left a lasting impression once again.
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