Cameron Menzies has revealed he “lost feeling in his fingers” after punching a table after losing to Charlie Manby at the World Darts Championship.
Menzies was visibly upset as he congratulated Munby in December, but his verbal abuse landed him in hospital, and he apologized to the crowd with his hands up as he walked off.
He also later apologized publicly, citing his uncle’s death as the cause of his mental strain leading up to the incident.
It was the Scot’s second defeat at the first hurdle at the World Championships in recent years, but he spoke candidly at a press conference at the Polish Darts Open about how he continues to suffer from the fallout.
“We know what happened at the world championships. I’ve done a lot of damage to myself,” Menzies said.
“Basically, I can’t feel my fingers anymore because of the damage I’ve done, so I’m having a really hard time.
“I couldn’t throw for six weeks, I had to have surgery, and I still have to undergo treatment for my hand. I made a big mistake in my life, and I have to accept that.”
“I’m lucky that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’m lucky that I can still play, but I had to see a hand specialist because they said something might have been amputated.”
“Words can’t explain how I felt when I woke up with a breathing tube attached for a game of darts. I was stupid and I have to deal with it.”
Cameron Menzies says he lost feeling in one side of his finger after the incident
The Polish Darts Open was Menzies’ first tournament since his injury, and although his season began with a 6-4 victory over Richie Edhouse, the road to his return was anything but easy.
“When they operated on me, they said I was lucky they hadn’t severed any nerves or tendons, I was just bruised and bruised,” Menzies said.
“At the moment I can’t feel one side of my finger and the other, but I’m lucky in a way because I have the other side of the dart.
“There have been times I’ve wanted to end[my career]but I’m just not in a good position to do that.
“It was a tough year, so it was pretty good to win again.
Cameron Menzies returns to Polish Darts Open
“I almost pulled out this weekend. I’m just not enjoying it right now, but today gave me a little bit of love back.”
Menzies will face James Wade in the next round on Saturday as he aims to return to the top of the darts world.
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