The electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace during the PDC World Darts Championship never fails to deliver drama, both on and off the oche. This year’s tournament has been no exception, with a light-hearted yet cheeky moment from Fallon Sherrock sparking headlines and speculation about potential disciplinary consequences. The “Queen of the Palace,” as she’s affectionately known by fans, found herself at the center of attention not just for her performance, but for a subtle nod to her ex-boyfriend Cameron Menzies’ earlier outburst.
It all began earlier in the week when Scottish player Cameron Menzies, ranked world number 26, suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in the first round to promising debutant Charlie Manby. The match was a tense affair, with Menzies leading at times before the 20-year-old from Huddersfield clawed his way back in a deciding set filled with missed opportunities on both sides. As the final dart sealed his exit, Menzies couldn’t contain his frustration. In a moment of raw emotion, he turned to the nearby drinks table and punched it three times with force, sending water bottles tumbling and drawing boos from the crowd. Blood streamed from a gash on his hand as he left the stage, later requiring a trip to the hospital.
Menzies quickly issued a public apology for his actions, acknowledging that his reaction was out of line. He revealed personal struggles weighing on him, including the recent passing of his uncle just days before the tournament. The incident raised concerns about player welfare in the high-pressure environment of professional darts. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter addressed the situation promptly, 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.” Porter emphasized that while any such incident would be reviewed by the Darts Regulation Authority, the priority remained the player’s health and wellbeing.
Fast forward a few days, and the spotlight shifted to Sherrock. The 31-year-old English star, a trailblazer in the sport who has shattered barriers for women in PDC events, took to the stage for her first-round matchup against the experienced Dave Chisnall. Despite a valiant effort—averaging a respectable 84.83—Sherrock fell to a 3-0 defeat. The scoreline, however, didn’t tell the full story of a contest that felt much closer. Chisnall himself admitted afterward, “That was massive. If she hit her doubles, that would have been very different. She scored well. I didn’t score well at all. My doubles were quite good.”
As Sherrock gathered her belongings and headed toward the same drinks table that had been the scene of Menzies’ meltdown, she paused with a smile. Placing her hand on it, she gently wobbled and shook it in an exaggerated, playful manner—a clear parody of her ex’s furious punches. The crowd erupted in recognition, many chuckling at the witty reference. Sherrock and Menzies had shared a four-year relationship that began during the pandemic, meeting through online leagues and even partnering in doubles events. They split amicably earlier in 2025, with no public acrimony, and her gesture was widely interpreted as good-natured banter rather than malice.
The moment went viral among darts fans, with some wondering if the PDC might view it as unsportsmanlike or inflammatory, potentially warranting punishment. Speculation grew about whether Sherrock could face a fine or warning for “mocking” the earlier incident. However, the governing body has since clarified that no disciplinary action will be taken against her. Her antics were deemed harmless and in the spirit of the tournament’s entertaining vibe, especially given the light-hearted context.
This resolution allows Sherrock to move forward without distraction as she continues her career, which includes multiple PDC Women’s Series titles and historic achievements like becoming the first woman to win matches at the World Championship. For Menzies, the focus remains on recovery and support, with the PDC ensuring resources are available through the players’ union.
The World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace thrives on these human moments—the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and the occasional flash of humor that reminds everyone that beneath the precision and pressure, these are passionate competitors navigating intense emotions. Sherrock’s quick-witted tribute to a tough week for her former partner added a layer of levity to the proceedings, underscoring the tight-knit yet competitive nature of the darts community. As the tournament progresses toward its climax, stories like this one keep fans glued to their screens, proving once again why the event is a highlight of the sporting calendar.
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