MENZIES VOWS TO TAKE WINTER GARDENS MIRACLE “TO THE GRAVE” AFTER HUMPHRIES SHOCK

CAMERON MENZIES revealed he will take his Winter Gardens breakthrough “to the grave” after stunning Luke Humphries.

The world No27 completed one of the biggest shocks in World Matchplay history by beating Humphries 10-7 in the opening round at Blackpool.

Menzies, 37, had never won a game at the iconic venue before and suffered a nightmare debut last year when he chucked the LOWEST tournament average of 81.35 in a 10-2 defeat to Danny Noppert.

But the Scot delivered a stunning turnaround to end a run of five consecutive defeats to Humphries and claim his first televised victory of the season.

It was a remarkable response from Menzies, whose career was left in doubt after he damaged his hand punching a table following his World Championship defeat to Charlie Manby in December.

Cammy raced into an 8-3 lead before Humphries threatened a fightback, but he held his nerve to seal a famous victory with a brilliant 170 checkout.

He said: “No one gave me hope. I didn’t give myself hope. I have finally won a game at the Winter Gardens.

“I don’t know how to explain that. Oh my God, man. I was getting the Scotland get battered and then come on Cammy.

“Last year wasn’t a good year for me. Then this, what an experience. No matter what I do in my life, I will take this to my grave.

“I know it’s not the biggest venue in darts, but thank you so much. Luke Humphries is a great player and a great guy.

“I have known Luke for a couple of years and him and Littler are unbelievable. They have done great for darts.

“They are great people to bring this sport forward. When I looked at it and it was 7-3, I was like just try not to look at the finishing line, but the nerves kicked in.

“To beat someone like Humphries on this stage is amazing. I know he will be disappointed.

“He gave me a lot of sniffs at doubles and I took them all. That is my biggest win on the PDC stage.”

Menzies admitted he is still learning how to handle the emotions that come with the biggest moments.

He added: “It’s something I am trying to deal with because I show a lot of emotion and adrenaline. I hate that I do that but I get caught up in the moment too much.

“I am trying to keep myself intact because when you show too much emotion it drains a little bit of you.

“I was so nervous. I am trying to be composed. I feel like Harry Kane with my voice. He had a little spell but I know that is not Humphries.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning