Darts Grand Slam: Cameron Menzies shares his thoughts after rollercoaster victory over James Wade

It’s no exaggeration to say Cameron Menzies has had a rollercoaster 48 hours at the Grand Slam of Darts, culminating in him making it to the quarter-finals.

After being outplayed by Beau Greaves in the group stage, losing 5-1, Menzies left WV Active Aldersley with an admittedly “aha” feeling, believing he had lost his place. He defeated Martin Schindler 5-2 and advanced to the last 16.

After that, a knockout opportunity against James Wade awaited, and Wade went into the match as a big favorite.

Not only did Menzies wait it out, he worked as a plumber in Milton Keynes until 1.30pm before returning to Wolverhampton for what was on paper the biggest game of his life.

He then defeated Wade in a clutch decision in the final leg and fell to his knees in relief. After realizing his victory, he admitted that his mindset needs to improve going forward and he may consider seeing a sports psychologist.

“Obviously I’m excited because I want to win, but I think it was a bit of a slugfest,” Menzies said.

“I just stayed on stage (during the break) because it was something that had never happened to me before.

“I was shaking like a leaf on my last two legs, and I haven’t been this nervous in a long time.

“It was terrible, I bottled it, but I was kind of lucky.

“I didn’t think I should play, I thought I should play.

“I left here and it wasn’t a good situation. I was furious, frustrated with myself, and overly emotional, but if you look at me hard enough, that’s what my It’s a weakness.

“So I’m going to consult a sports psychologist or something because my mindset isn’t stable in my corner of the woods.

“When I left here thinking I was out, I got a phone call. I can’t explain it. I felt weird, from frustrated to ecstatic.

“I felt like my emotions were going up and down so much. I don’t really know how to explain how it goes up and down so much. To be honest, I was a little emotional.”

Part-time player Menzies will face fellow part-timer Mickey Mansell in the quarter-finals, but the Scotsman believes Mansell is playing “the best darts of my life”.

“He’s just like me. We’ve been punching above our weight,” he added.

“We were very lucky to get through, but Mickey deserved it. I think Mickey is playing the best darts I’ve ever seen.”

“He beat Danny Knoppert, who was sensational in my group.

“Every day is different and darts is a stupid old game in that sense.

“I was able to punch above my weight, so now it’s all free striking.”

What’s next?

The tournament continues on Thursday, November 14th with the best of 16. Broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm.

In the finals, Luke Littler will take on Mike Dekker and Dimitri van den Bergh will take on Jermaine Wattimena. That means Ryan Joyce will face Jan Van Veen and Gary Anderson will face Stephen Bunting.