Scottish darts professional Cameron Menzies was left with a bloody hand and deep regret after a dramatic and painful exit from the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
A Costly Outburst of Frustration
Following a nail-biting 3-2 defeat to 20-year-old qualifier Charlie Manby in the first round, Menzies saw his emotions boil over. The World No. 26, who had twice led in the match, took his frustration out on the underside of the drinks stand on stage, punching it three times. The violent impact caused water bottles to topple and, more significantly, opened a deep cut on his right fist.
As blood streamed from the wound, the Alexandra Palace crowd reacted with audible boos. A visibly upset Menzies managed to congratulate his victorious opponent from Huddersfield before holding his hands up in a gesture of apology to the spectators. He then walked off the stage, requiring medical attention for the self-inflicted injury.
Manby Seals Dramatic Decider
The match itself was a classic high-pressure encounter. Menzies had taken the opening set and later moved into a 2-1 lead, putting him on the brink of victory. However, the young debutant Manby displayed remarkable composure to fight back and force a deciding fifth set.
The tension peaked in the final leg, with both players missing multiple attempts at a double to win the match. Ultimately, it was Manby who held his nerve, pinning double four to secure a famous victory and spark wild celebrations, which contrasted starkly with the scene unfolding on the other side of the stage.
Regret and a Painful Pattern
Sky Sports commentator and former champion Glen Durrant was unequivocal in his assessment of Menzies's actions. "It wasn't the ending we all want to see," Durrant said. "For Cameron Menzies, I think he will regret that for the rest of his life. It wasn't a good watch."
This incident marks the second consecutive year Menzies has suffered a painful first-round exit at the World Championship. In December 2023, he was visibly tearful after losing to America's Leonard Gates. This latest defeat, compounded by his angry reaction, adds another difficult chapter to his Alexandra Palace story.
Meanwhile, Charlie Manby progresses to the second round, his giant-killing victory now forever linked to the dramatic and bloody aftermath that followed his winning dart.
