Cameron Menzies was taken to hospital after punching the underside of a water table in frustration following his 3-2 first-round defeat to 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby at the World Darts Championship. He later apologised for the incident.
Menzies had led twice in the match, winning the opening set and going 2-1 ahead, but Manby from Huddersfield rallied to force a deciding set and sealed victory by hitting double four after both players missed several doubles. As Manby began to celebrate, Menzies struck the underside of the table three times, knocking bottles loose. Referee Kirk Bevins asked him to stop; the 26th seed, visibly upset, congratulated his opponent, raised his hands to the crowd and apologised before leaving the stage. The blows drew blood on his knuckles, which he wiped on his face.
Sky Sports commentator Glen Durrant described the ending as regrettable and suggested Menzies would likely regret his actions. This was Menzies’s second consecutive first-round exit at Alexandra Palace; he broke down in tears after his defeat to Leonard Gates last December.
The Professional Darts Corporation said there would be no immediate announcement on any potential fine or disciplinary action. PDC chief executive Matt Porter said he had spoken with Menzies and his management at the venue and confirmed that support is available from the PDC and the Professional Darts Players Association. Porter added that incidents of this type are reported to the Darts Regulation Authority for review, while emphasising that the player’s health and wellbeing remain the main priority.
Menzies issued a short statement apologising for his reaction and acknowledging it was wrong. He explained he had been carrying heavy personal grief after the recent death of his uncle Gary, who had treated him like a son, and said the emotions had overwhelmed him. He stressed, however, that this was not an excuse and paid tribute to Manby, saying the young player deserved the win.
Former player and pundit Wayne Mardle said the outburst showed frustration and anguish at losing but added that players must control their anger, especially on the biggest stage. Mardle said he hopes Menzies receives support from the PDPA while anticipating that the Darts Regulation Authority will consider appropriate sanctions. He urged Menzies to learn from the episode and move forward.