Players Championship 23: Cameron Menzies bounces back to win title after World Darts Championship drama

07.07.2026, 02:37 skysports.com

Cameron Menzies claimed his first title of the year at Players Championship 23, defeating Cristo Reyes 8-5 in Monday's final.

The Scotsman, who had previously won two ProTour titles in Leicester back in 2024 and 2025, emerged through a 128-player field to take the £15,000 top prize at the Mattioli Arena.

The 37-year-old's triumph also came with an added bonus by confirming his spot at the Betfred World Matchplay, which takes place in Blackpool later this month.

"It's been a tough year, I was lucky… I think I needed that because I have struggled this year," conceded Menzies, who spoke honestly about his tribulations following an emotional day in Leicester.

Menzies made headlines at the World Darts Championship in December when he punched a table following an opening-round defeat, an incident that left him needing hospital treatment after seriously injuring his hand.

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He continued: "I never thought I'd win one of these again! I thought I was done, I made a mistake - I let my family and my friends down. It's a moment that I have to accept.

"I genuinely thought [my] darts were spiralling because I was struggling. It hasn't been my best performance, to even get to the quarter-finals I was buzzing - I think I've won one board final all year!

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"I'm in a good place in life at the moment, when your home life is good - [your] darts are good," expressed Menzies, who opened up on the benefits of having a life coach alongside the support he has received from back home.

The Blackpool-bound Scot began the afternoon with an impressive whitewash victory over Carl Sneyd - averaging north of 102 in the process.

Menzies then went on to beat Nathan Potter before winning another contest without reply, this time against Norway's Cor Dekker.

From there, the Scottish star picked up a statement victory over Josh Rock, winning six straight legs to beat the Northern Irishman 6-3.

The World Cup semi-finalist then got the better of Charlie Manby before completing another thrilling comeback victory against Dave Chisnall to book his place in the final.

After enjoying a successful start to the contest, Menzies blew multiple chances to extend his lead to 4-1 over the Spaniard. Reyes eventually broke the Scotsman's throw with a 20-darter - which momentarily got him back into the game.

However, Menzies responded brilliantly by winning legs in 12, 15 and 12 darts again to extend his lead to 6-2.

In a game of twists and turns, Reyes went on to reel off three legs on the spin before a ten-darter from Menzies - which put the Scot one leg away from the crown in the East Midlands.

From there, the Ayrshire ace took care of business - sealing an 8-5 victory over Reyes to win his first ranking title of 2026.

Elsewhere, Joe Cullen produced perfection in his clash against Jack Tweddell, although his exploits came in a losing cause, as Tweddell ran out a 6-3 winner against the former Masters champion.

The 2026 ProTour season continues tomorrow afternoon in Leicester as the race to qualify for the Betfred World Matchplay continues, with the likes of Damon Heta and Daryl Gurney fighting to confirm their spots whilst others remain in the hunt.

Last 16Cristo Reyes 6-0 William O'ConnorDaniel Ayres 6-4 Yorick HofkensDavid Sharp 6-3 Wesley PlaisierTom Sykes 6-2 Kim HuybrechtsCharlie Manby 6-3 Adam WarnerCameron Menzies 6-3 Josh RockChristian Kist 6-4 Mike De DeckerDave Chisnall 6-4 Ryan Searle

Quarter-FinalsCristo Reyes 6-4 Daniel AyresDavid Sharp 6-4 Tom SykesCameron Menzies 6-2 Charlie ManbyDave Chisnall 6-3 Christian Kist

Semi-FinalsCristo Reyes 7-3 David SharpCameron Menzies 7-5 Dave Chisnall

FinalCameron Menzies 8-5 Cristo Reyes

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