Darts Star's Permanent Hand Damage After World Championship Table Punch
Darts professional Cameron Menzies has disclosed that his violent outburst at the World Darts Championship, where he repeatedly punched his drinks table, has resulted in lasting nerve damage to his right hand. The Scottish player shocked spectators at Alexandra Palace by unleashing a series of furious uppercuts on the furniture following his defeat to debutant Charlie Manby, aged 20.
Blood poured from a deep gash in his hand as he left the stage, offering apologies amidst the chaos. In his first European Tour appearance since the gruesome incident, Menzies secured a 6-4 victory over former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse at the Poland Darts Open.
Surgery and Scarring Revealed
After the match, Menzies openly discussed the severe consequences of his actions, confirming that surgical intervention was necessary. He displayed a prominent scar on his hand, but emphasized that the injury extends far beyond cosmetic effects.
In a frank conversation with Oche 180, Menzies admitted, "I'll be honest with you, a few times I've felt like wrapping it [quitting darts]. I'm just not in a good place that way." He elaborated, "Obviously what happened at the Worlds, I've done a lot of damage to myself. Basically I've no feeling in my fingers anymore because of the damage I've done."
Long-Term Recovery and Regret
The darts star detailed a six-week period of complete numbness in his fingers post-surgery, with ongoing hand therapy and trauma treatment still required. "I've made a massive mistake in my life. You can see the scar. I have to live with that," he confessed. Menzies expressed gratitude that the situation was not more severe, noting, "I'm lucky I can still play because it could have been severed."
He added, "So I had to see a hand specialist. No words could explain how I felt at that time. I was stupid and I have to deal with it." Despite the physical and emotional toll, Menzies demonstrated his competitive resilience by achieving nine 180s during the match against Edhouse, a performance he nearly withdrew from due to his struggles.
Return to Form Amid Challenges
Reflecting on his victory, Menzies said, "It was good to go and play well. It was good to win again because it's been a tough year." He acknowledged his recent difficulties, stating, "I've hardly averaged over 75 this year. I've been struggling. I was nervous but good up there. But going for a double it was always hope than I'm hitting this."
The win provided a much-needed boost, as he remarked, "That today has given me a bit of love back." Menzies concluded, "But as soon as that first dart went in, I was getting a 180. That's the best I've ever played on the Euro Tour. I've still got a long way to go but good to play half decent again."
