MENZIES WARNED HUMPHRIES WILL NOT BE DRAWN INTO ‘CHRISTIAN ROMERO’ ANTICS

CAMERON MENZIES has been warned Luke Humphries will not be dragged into his “Christian Romero” style antics at the World Matchplay.

The world No27 is known for his emotional displays, big reactions and animated stage presence, much like Tottenham and Argentina defender Romero, who has built a reputation for his aggressive style and fiery approach.

Menzies, 37, will face Humphries in round one at the Winter Gardens on Monday evening.

Former pro Paul Nicholson believes Humphries is the perfect player to deal with Menzies’ colourful persona on the oche.

He told the Love the Darts Podcast: “If Cammy's doing his usual thing where he's quite flappy and very vibrant, I think there's one person who can handle that the best.

“That is Humphries, because he will completely ignore him. He will understand. He'll do his homework.

“He'll know that Menzies didn't have a great debut and he might be trying to do a bit of a Christian Romero up there and just try and be very obvious.

“But if Humphries wants to get this job done, it's gonna be eyes down on the board and get rid of him as soon as possible and do what Menzies’ opponent did last year.

“First four meetings between these two was 2-2. I think this is where Humphries is becoming the most intelligent dart player on the planet. He's won the last five.

“He's figured Cammy out. They've never played in a venue like this before and Humphries, he knows how to play in this place.

“So, I don't see anything bar a Humphries victory.”

Cammy arrives in Blackpool after a huge turnaround in fortunes, having lifted Players Championship 23 earlier this month.

The title came just months after his career appeared to be in jeopardy following the hand injury he suffered after punching a table following his World Championship defeat to Charlie Manby.

Former Grand Slam quarter-finalist Menzies admitted he considered quitting darts and returning to plumbing while recovering from the incident.

But Michael Bridge believes the Scot deserves huge credit for the way he has bounced back.

He added: “I must say as well big credit to Cammy. You know, it was an unsavoury incident, but we all make mistakes and he's moved on.

“He's doing things in the right way, the Players Championship. I love seeing his happy emotion. You know, I love seeing emotional players.

“I love seeing it when [Michael] van Gerwen wins things. I like seeing people happy, especially in darts, how much it means to them.

“He conducted himself, I thought, very well with Gary [Anderson] at the World Cup.

“People wondered, oh, are these two going to get on?”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning