Scottish professional darts player Cameron Menzies has issued a public apology following a dramatic and bloody outburst after his shock first-round exit at the World Darts Championship in London.
Frustration boils over in dramatic exit
The world number 26's temper flared immediately after his 3-2 defeat to young English qualifier Charlie Manby. In a moment of pure frustration, Menzies punched a water table three times, leaving his right hand covered in blood and requiring medical treatment at the venue before being taken to hospital.
Television footage captured the shocking sequence where Menzies first covered a fireworks machine with his hand as it emitted sparks, before lashing out at the table. He then hugged his opponent Manby before walking off the stage to a chorus of boos and jeers from the Alexandra Palace crowd.
Apology cites family tragedy
The 36-year-old later released a statement expressing deep regret for his actions, while revealing a recent death in his family had contributed to his emotional state.
"I would like to apologise for what happened. I'm sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did," Menzies said. "It's not an excuse, but I have had a lot of things on my mind and I suppose it all just became too much at the end."
He explained that his uncle, Gary, had passed away recently. "I saw him four days before he died and he gave me a look which told me how much he thought of me," Menzies shared. "Had I won the game, my second match would have been on the day of Gary's funeral and that hasn't been lost on me."
He was quick to reiterate that his personal grief was not a justification for his behaviour, stating it was "the wrong thing to do" and that he did not want it to detract from Manby's victory.
Sanctions likely as experts react
Sky Sports darts expert Wayne Mardle was critical of the display, suggesting Menzies would likely face sanctions from the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA).
"You have got to control that. That is what conducting yourself the right way is all about, and he didn't, he let himself down," Mardle said. "I'm sure he will be punished accordingly... You cannot do that anywhere, let alone on the biggest stage of them all."
Mardle also expressed hope that the Professional Darts Players Association would offer support, noting "he has clearly got issues."
Aussie campaign ends early as other results roll in
In other World Championship action, Australia's Simon Whitlock suffered a disappointing early exit. 'The Wizard', competing in the tournament for a 22nd time after qualifying via last month's ANZ Premier League win in Brisbane, lost 3-2 to England's Connor Scutt.
Whitlock, the 2010 finalist, fought back from two sets down to force a decider, but ultimately fell short. The loss meant he missed the chance to join compatriot Damon Heta in the second round. Perth's world number 16 Heta enjoyed a 3-1 first-round win over Ireland's Steve Lennon over the weekend.
Two more West Australians are set to compete in London in coming days. Joe Comito faces Germany's Niko Springer on Wednesday (AEDT), while Tim Pusey takes on Ireland's Keane Barry on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Scottish two-time world champion Peter 'Snakebite' Wright scored a convincing 3-0 victory over the Netherlands' Noa-Lynn van Leuven on Monday night.
