In one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, Scottish star Cameron Menzies suffered a shocking first-round defeat that ended in raw emotion and regret. The world No. 26, a seasoned professional known for his passionate play, was edged out 3-2 in a thrilling five-set battle by 20-year-old English debutant Charlie Manby, nicknamed “Champagne Charlie.” What followed was a outburst that shocked fans and commentators alike, as Menzies repeatedly punched the underside of his drinks table in frustration, splitting open his right hand and drawing blood that streamed down his arm as he left the stage.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of high drama. Menzies stormed into an early lead, claiming the first set despite missing numerous darts at doubles, and later regained momentum to go 2-1 up. He fired in multiple maximum 180s, showcasing the form that had earned him two Players Championship titles and major quarter-finals earlier in the year. However, Manby, ranked far lower but brimming with youthful confidence, fought back fiercely. The young Huddersfield player leveled the score and dominated the deciding set 3-1, sealing victory with a composed finish on double four amid mounting tension. Manby later described the win as “100% the greatest thing I have ever done in darts,” celebrating wildly as the crowd erupted for the underdog.
For Menzies, the loss marked a painful repeat of history. It was his second consecutive first-round exit at the World Championship, following an emotional breakdown the previous year after falling to Leonard Gates, when personal family health issues weighed heavily on him. This time, the defeat hit even harder amid recent personal challenges, including the passing of his beloved uncle Gary, whom he described as treating him “like a son.” A victory would have advanced Menzies to a second-round match on the very day of his uncle’s funeral—a heartbreaking coincidence that lingered in his thoughts.
In the immediate aftermath, as Manby celebrated, Menzies unleashed three powerful uppercuts into the table, knocking over water bottles and sustaining a deep gash that required medical attention, reportedly including a hospital visit. The Alexandra Palace crowd, initially stunned, responded with boos, while Menzies raised his hands in a gesture of apology before exiting the stage, blood visible on his hand and even smeared on his face. Commentators expressed concern and disappointment; one noted that Menzies would “regret that for the rest of his life,” calling it an “extraordinary reaction” born of spur-of-the-moment anguish, while another emphasized the need to control such frustration.
Shortly after the incident, Menzies released an initial statement acknowledging his actions: “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 stressed that his behavior “wasn’t right,” revealing the emotional toll of his uncle’s recent death and the added layer of missing a potential match on the funeral day.
The Professional Darts Corporation responded swiftly, with chief executive Matt Porter confirming he had spoken directly to Menzies and his management. Support was offered through the PDC and the Professional Darts Players Association, prioritizing the player’s wellbeing while noting that the incident would be reviewed by the Darts Regulation Authority for potential sanctions related to aggressive behavior.
Days later, as Manby prepared for his second-round clash, Menzies issued a second, more personal public apology via social media, directly addressing his opponent and the wider darts community. He wished Manby “all the best” in his upcoming match, revealing that the two had spoken privately. “I have spoken to Charlie personally and apologised to him for my actions,” Menzies shared. “He understood I was caught up in my own moment of frustration and that it was nothing personal towards him, or his win. It was very important to speak to him about that, and I am grateful he never once thought I was directing anything at him.”
Menzies also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received, noting that his hand was healing and closing with a reflective note: “Sorry again for last week! Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.” This follow-up apology underscored Manby’s maturity in handling the situation, with the young victor focusing on his own performance rather than the drama.
The episode has sparked broader conversations in the darts world about the intense pressures players face—the relentless schedule, boisterous crowds, and personal lives intersecting with high-stakes competition. Menzies, a former plumber who turned fully professional in 2025, has long worn his heart on his sleeve, making him both endearing and vulnerable on the big stage. While the physical wounds will heal quickly, this moment serves as a reminder of the human side of professional sport, where triumphs and setbacks can evoke profound emotions.
As the championship continues toward its January finale, Menzies’ story adds another layer of intrigue to an already electric tournament, highlighting resilience, accountability, and the unbreakable spirit that defines darts at its highest level.
Leave a Reply