Menzies Stunned by Costly Error at European Darts Trophy
Cameron Menzies was visibly distraught after a calamitous miscalculation during his European Darts Trophy match. In a tense final leg against Mike De Decker in Gottingen, a lapse in focus from Menzies shocked onlookers.
Crucial Miscalculation in Final Leg
The Scottish player had reached a finish after just nine darts and narrowly missed a 138 checkout. However, the match took a dramatic turn when, needing 18, Menzies missed three darts at double nine. He reacted with disbelief, seemingly fearing defeat as De Decker required only 28.
De Decker then had his chance, hitting 14 but then faltering with two missed attempts at double seven, handing the opportunity back to Menzies. In a bizarre twist, Menzies mistakenly targeted the score De Decker needed. He hit six and then double four, taking out 14 – De Decker’s score – instead of the 18 he required himself.
Realizing his error, Menzies immediately dropped to the floor, burying his face next to the oche in utter disbelief.
“What Have You Done?” – Commentary Reacts
PDC TV commentator Paul Nicholson exclaimed in disbelief: “What’s he doing?! What have you done, Cameron! It was six, double six on 18! De Decker can only watch this unfolding drama. He looked at De Decker’s score and thought ‘I’ve got that’, but he clearly hasn’t.”
Menzies Recovers to Clinch Victory
Menzies took considerable time to regain his composure, while De Decker had three darts at double seven to secure victory in their third-round encounter.
However, the drama persisted. De Decker’s first dart went wide, and his second landed inside the double, making a finish impossible with his last dart. After 12 darts in the leg, Menzies eventually secured the win on his 19th dart, hitting double two at the first attempt. He then turned to acknowledge De Decker with a handshake and offered an apologetic gesture to the audience.
De Decker’s Disappointment and Post-Match Reaction
De Decker swiftly exited the stage, visibly frustrated after squandering a significant chance to progress.
Nicholson concluded: “Have you ever witnessed anything like that on the European Tour? Cameron Menzies, a miscount to win the match! He then dramatically fell to the floor, echoing Ricardo Pietreczko’s style, yet Mike De Decker provided him with further opportunities.”