Cameron Menzies could hardly hold back his emotions during the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace as he faced Leonard Gates, resulting in a heart-wrenching 3-1 defeat. The match, held on December 16, 2024, drew thousands of darts fans who filled the arena with chants and energy, especially supporting Gates, ranked 130th globally.
Menzies, entering the tournament with strong form and confidence, looked visibly upset even before the match concluded. Emotions ran high as the Scot was unable to find his rhythm on stage, missing 20 darts at doubles—a statistic particularly grim for any professional darts player. The atmosphere became frenetic, with the crowd treating Gates like the hometown hero, echoing chants of ‘USA’ as Menzies faltered under the pressure.
The scene was emotionally charged, especially for Menzies, who could not shake off the jeering from the crowd everytime he missed opportunities. Cameras captured moments where sweat dripped from his brow, soaking his hair. On one occasion, Menzies even put his head in his hands after throwing just one dart, eliciting more taunts from fans. Indeed, it was hard to ignore the palpable tension as he struggled on the biggest stage of his career.
His partner, well-known darts player Fallon Sherrock, supported him through the match, but even she couldn’t help but watch as Menzies’ confidence crumbled. “It felt like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders,” remarked one spectator. Menzies' demeanor seemed to change drastically as the match progressed, from hopeful to dejected.
Gates, on the other hand, seized the moment and reveled in the crowd’s energy. Displaying plenty of showmanship, he engaged the audience not just with his gameplay but also with dance moves during his walk-on. This charismatic approach seemed to rally support around him and diminish Menzies’ efforts. Gates later commented, “It was exhilarating. It's a good feeling right now to move to the second round.”
Despite the game’s outcome, Gates acknowledged the spirit of competition, stating, “I want my opponent to play their best against me to see if I can play my best against them.” He vowed to keep the energy alive as he moves forward to face Nathan Aspinall, emphasizing the importance of using crowd support positively.
Former professional darts player Glen Durrant weighed in on the match afterward, critiquing Menzies’ inability to convert his floor game success to the stage. “That transition to doing really well on the floor at the Players Championship and doing well on the stage, it's just not happening. He's full of emotion,” Durrant observed. The pundits were concerned about Menzies' ability to perform under pressure, especially when it appeared his preparation didn’t translate well to the demanding stage of the Ally Pally.
Durrant remarked on the need for Menzies to find consistency, noting, “I didn't know if he was getting upset or if the heat was getting to him. It was pretty bizarre. But very, very disappointing.” Indeed, his double percentage dipped to 16, which undoubtedly impacted his game. The emotions on display were raw, and many fans expressed their sympathies for Menzies as he made his way off the stage, tears streaming down his face.
After the match, Gates showed sportsmanship by expressing his wishes for Menzies’ future. He stated, “Cameron played great, I played the best game I could. The darts here are awesome.” His words provided some consolation but did little to alleviate the heartbreak felt by Menzies, who faced the bitter reality of defeat.
With expectations high and pressure mounting, the road will not get any easier for Menzies. Following this disheartening match, he must reassess and strategize for his future endeavors. Fans remain eager to see how he can rebuild and return stronger, but for now, the emotional toll of this defeat lingers as Menzies reflects on his experience at the World Championship.
Meanwhile, Gates continues his campaign, preparing for what promises to be another intense match against Aspinall, eager to ride the wave of momentum past this challenge. The dynamic atmosphere of the World Darts Championship continues to captivate audiences, filled with unexpected turns and stories of resilience.