Menzies reveals secret behind stunning season revival

CAMERON MENZIES revealed a holiday away from darts was the turning point in his season.

The world No26 had endured a miserable start to the campaign, failing to reach a single quarter-final in the opening 22 ProTour floor events and going winless on the big stage.

But Menzies, 37, enjoyed a remarkable revival earlier this month by winning Players Championship 23, beating Cristo Reyes 8-5 in the final to claim his first ProTour title of the year.

Cammy backed this up by producing one of the shocks of the year at the World Matchplay, dumping out world No2 Luke Humphries 10-7 in round one with a superb 97.83 average.

The Scot’s run was later cut short in painful fashion after he collapsed on stage against Ross Smith due to high blood pressure and was forced to retire after just three legs.

Menzies admitted stepping away from the sport and taking a vacation proved crucial in helping him rediscover his confidence.

He said: “Two weeks ago, when I won the ProTour, I didn’t think I was going to do that again because my start of the year was poor.

“I just wasn’t in a good place mentally. I was always there trying, but I just wasn’t playing well.

“I believe the last seven ProTours I only won two games. But I had a break from darts. Then I finally had a holiday with no darts.

“I went on holiday and left the darts at home. It was the best thing for me. It is something I never do because I am usually always up to 100.

“Then the first thing I did was win a ProTour. I just had a break from life, if that makes sense. It is something I will do more often now.

“It doesn’t have to be a week or two weeks. I will just go away for a couple of days.

“I can see why the top players do it, obviously, with the Premier League and stuff.

“But darts is very busy and it is hard work, especially when things aren’t going your way.

“The best thing to do sometimes is just to step away. I missed the [ProTours] in Hildesheim.

“I am going for my girlfriend’s brother’s wedding. But I am trying to do both. I am trying to play darts all the time, but mentally it is just good to chill.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning