Menzies breaks silence after on-stage collapse ends Matchplay dream

CAMERON MENZIES admits he’s gutted that his World Matchplay bid was ended by fainting on stage.

The Ayrshire ace had to be held up by officials and opponent Ross Smith after falling ill during their round two clash on Wednesday night.

Menzies, 35, was attended to by medics and was suffering from high blood pressure after just three legs of their clash at the Winter Gardens.

It meant he lost his chance of reaching the quarter-finals with Smith given a bye.

Menzies said in a statement: “Just a quick message to say thank you to everyone for all the messages.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t well enough to continue the match. It’s obviously not how I wanted my World Matchplay to end, especially after playing some of the best darts of my career over the last few weeks.

“I’m grateful to the medical team for looking after me, to Ross for checking on me, and to everyone at the Winter Gardens for their support.

“A big good luck to Ross for the rest of the tournament. I wish him all the best.

“Hopefully I’ll be back doing what I love very soon. Thanks for all your support, it really does mean a lot.”

Smith has also said on X: “So glad my good friend @CameronMenzies is OK. Health comes before anything. You will come back stronger than ever. Love ya mate."

Words: Phil Lanning

Image: Taylor Lanning