Scottish darts player Cameron Menzies has disclosed he has permanently lost sensation in his fingers following his infamous table-punching outburst at Alexandra Palace in December.
The Ayrshire thrower made the revelation after securing a 6-4 victory over former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse at the Poland Darts Open on Friday, marking his first competitive match since the incident.
Menzies told Oche 180: “Basically I’ve no feeling in my fingers anymore because of the damage I’ve done.”
The 32-year-old had left spectators stunned when he repeatedly struck his drinks table after suffering a first-round defeat to debutant Charlie Manby at the World Championship.
Menzies’ self-inflicted wounds required surgical intervention, with the Scot unable to pick up a dart for six weeks following the incident.
Speaking candidly about his recovery, he said: “I had to go through surgery. I’ve still to go through hand treatment and trauma.”
The operation revealed just how close he came to ending his career entirely, with medical professionals warning that nerves and tendons could have been severed.
Menzies admitted: “No words could explain how I felt at that time. Waking up with the breathing tube and stuff. For a game of darts, I was stupid and I have to deal with it.”
Cameron Menzies erupted in anger after the World Championship defeat | GETTYSurgeons ultimately confirmed he had “battered and bruised” rather than severed the tendons, though feeling in one side of his finger remains absent.
The mental toll of the incident has pushed Menzies to the brink of walking away from professional darts altogether.
He said: “I’ll be honest with you, a few times I’ve felt like wrapping it. I’m just not in a good place that way.”
The Scot came perilously close to withdrawing from the Poland tournament entirely, revealing he was “so close to pulling out this weekend” due to his struggles.
Cameron Menzies hit the table multiple times
|
SKYSPORTSHis form had suffered dramatically in recent months, with averages rarely exceeding 75 this year.
Menzies said: “I’m not enjoying it at the moment.”
He highlighted the psychological burden he continues to carry alongside his physical injuries.
Despite his difficulties, Menzies reflected on the lasting consequences of his actions with remarkable honesty.
Five things to know about the sport of darts | PAHe said: “I’ve made a massive mistake in my life. I have to live with that. I have to live with the reputation of being the table-puncher and stuff and I have to deal with that. We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, I made a big mistake and have to accept it.”
Friday’s triumph, which included an impressive nine maximums, has reignited some passion for the sport.
Menzies said: “That today has given me a bit of love back. That’s the best I’ve ever played on the Euro Tour.”
He will face James Wade in Saturday’s second round.
