Cameron Menzies Suffers Bleeding Injury in Narrow PDC World Championship Defeat to Charlie Manby
At the PDC World Championship held at Alexandra Palace, Cameron Menzies left the stage with a bleeding gash on his right hand after a tense 3-2 defeat against the rising star Charlie Manby. Blood was visible down Menzies' hand, wrist, forearm, and onto his face as he was escorted off by PDC chief executive Matt Porter.
The match saw Menzies initially take a 2-1 lead, including an impressive 11-dart leg. However, Manby, a 20-year-old talent known for his performance in the Modus Super Series and for breaking Luke Littler's Development Tour average record with a 130.7 this year, battled back to level at 2-2. In the deciding set, Manby broke Menzies’ throw, aided by Menzies miscounting a leg and missing a crucial bull attempt, which was ruled invalid because he had stepped past the oche. Manby ultimately clinched victory on double-1.
Post-match, Menzies apologized for his errors and referenced the recent death of his late uncle Gary, while insisting it was no excuse. The match and its aftermath highlighted Menzies as a vulnerable and emotional player, subject to crowd taunts especially when underperforming. This continues a pattern dating back to last year when he missed doubles, was jeered, and left the stage in tears after learning of his father's hospitalization.
The article frames elite darts as both a spectacle and bloodsport, emphasizing the psychological and emotional challenges players like Menzies face. Although he demonstrated the talent to excel, it warns he will require support for his mental health and resilience to withstand growing crowd abuse, which the PDC has shown little indication of curbing. Despite the defeat, Menzies is expected to return next year, facing even harsher crowds.
