The World Darts Championship witnessed an unforgettable moment as 36-year-old Cameron Menzies’ frustration boiled over following his dramatic first-round exit.
The Scottish star’s loss to 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby quickly turned into a fiery display of anger, leaving fans and commentators stunned.
Tense Deciding Set Ends in Heartbreak
Menzies, the 26th seed, had the chance to close out the match but missed a crucial dart when needing just three to finish.
Failing to hit a double, he watched helplessly as Manby seized the moment, landing a four, two, and double-one to snatch the win in a thrilling deciding set.
The tension-filled finale sent Alexandra Palace into chaos as the crowd erupted for the young victor.
Outburst Caught on Camera
Newly shared footage shows Menzies leaning dangerously close to the stage pyrotechnics meant to celebrate Manby’s win before unleashing a series of punches on his drinks table.
The force of his blows split his hand, leaving it bloodied.
Referee Kirk Bevins rushed to intervene as the crowd booed the outburst, while Manby, visibly shocked, could only watch the scene unfold.
Emotional Toll Behind the Outburst
Following the incident, Menzies issued a heartfelt apology.
He explained that personal challenges, including the recent loss of his uncle Gary, contributed to his emotional state.
He said: “I am sorry for reacting in the way I did. It’s not an excuse, but I’ve had a lot on my mind recently, and it all just became too much.
My uncle passed away recently, and I had seen him just days before he died. He treated me like a son, and it’s been hard to cope.”
Menzies was keen to stress that his actions were in no way a reflection of Manby’s performance: “Charlie played well and deserved his win.
That wasn’t right, and I don’t want people to view me like that.”
Reactions from Commentators
Sky Sports commentators weighed in on the dramatic finale.
Former Premier League champion Glen Durrant remarked that Menzies would likely regret his actions for years to come: “Charlie Manby is a superstar in the making.
The match delivered, but the ending was not one anyone wanted to see. Cameron will regret that for the rest of his life.”
Co-commentator Stuart Pyke added, “It was an extraordinary reaction, but he did apologize as he walked off. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
Manby Celebrates Breakout Victory
For Manby, the 20-year-old newcomer and a friend of Luke Littler, the win was an emotional milestone.
Clawing back from 2-1 down and surviving four missed match darts, he described the experience as overwhelming: “It felt absolutely amazing out there.
The crowd was incredible, and it’s just amazing to have this debut moment go my way.”
Menzies’ Recent Struggles Continue
This defeat marks the second year in a row that Menzies has been eliminated in the first round.
Last year, he had broken down in tears following a loss to Leonard Gates, revealing that his father had been hospitalized at the time.
The Scotsman’s ongoing struggles highlight the emotional pressures faced by top players in the sport.
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