Cameron Menzies admitted he was left ‘heartbroken’ by his performance at the World Grand Prix during an emotional public apology.
Menzies suffered a chastening evening at the oche, losing 2-0 in his first-to-two-sets clash against Dave Chisnall.
Chisnall dominated the contest in Leicester, scoring four 180s to his opponent’s none, while winning all six legs across the match.
It proved a bitter-blow for semi-pro ace Menzies, who despite the humbling defeat against Chisnall, has enjoyed a respectable year on the board.
Just last month the Scot reached the quarter-final of a Players Championship event, missing out on a spot in the last four by virtue of a defeat against 2021 World Championship winner Gerwyn Price.
But the loss at the World Grand Prix clearly took it out of him, with the 35-year-old unable to contain his disappointment.
Taking to X, Menzies wrote: “This is why I work. I am so far off being a pro n today absolutely broke my heart. I am so sorry.”
Darts fans were quick to rally around the 35-year-old, offering him well wishes after what was no doubt a difficult evening’s work.
@joshpearson180 responded: “Behave, you’ve had a class year. Going full time would be the making of you.”
@bellezzavitale added: “don’t be silly now, you’re having an absolute monster season. clearly doing something right this year and one rough match in a brutal format doesn’t change that.”
@juiceyclunes said: “Chin up Cam. Believe in yourself mate. Sure a lot of players have been in your position and still made it. Keep faith.”
It’s been a dramatic opening two days at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, with world No.1 and reigning champion Luke Humphries coming from behind to progress against Stephen Bunting on Monday night.
There was no such reprieve for Luke Littler, whose debut at the event ended with a first-round exit.
The teenage sensation lost the first set against Rob Cross, before battling back to level things up in the second.
However, in the decider, Littler would be dumped out, with a dominant Cross winning the third set 3-1.
A confident Cross served up a damning assessment of his competitor following the first-round win, revealing he didn’t have any fears about facing Littler.
On the 2024 Premier League winner, Cross said: “I don’t want to be rude to him because I think he’s phenomenal. But I wasn’t too bothered.
“If anything, I’d rather it had been a straight format [rather than a double in start] because at least I could offer a little bit more.
“All about me, really. I didn’t know which version of me was going to turn up. Based on the last few years it might not have been a good version. I enjoyed it a little bit more towards the end and hit my checkouts. Hopefully that stays for the rest of the week.”
