Cameron Menzies, the winner of Players Championship 29, opened up about a frightening episode he experienced on a flight to Switzerland, where he genuinely believed he was suffering a heart attack. The scare forced him to scrutinise his lifestyle and health habits more closely. Menzies secured his second ProTour title of the 2026 season by defeating Dutchman Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final, adding a fourth PDC ranking victory to his résumé after a remarkable run of seven consecutive wins at Maassport Den Bosch.
The triumph came on the back of a strong showing at the Players Championship series, where he has been in scintillating form. Reflecting on the medical incident that occurred in Blackpool, Menzies explained that he had to withdraw from a tournament after feeling ill during his second‑round match against Ross Smith.
"Even before that match, you could see I had lost a bit of weight," he said. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I was convinced I was having a heart attack. Because heart disease runs in my family, I went for a full set of scans." The tests revealed that he needed to lose weight, but the Blackpool episode was later attributed to severe dehydration, which caused a spike in his blood pressure as panic set in. The 37‑year‑old, who previously reached the World Cup semi‑finals, added that he underwent extensive blood work to rule out any serious cardiac issues.
"I spent ten hours at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital," he recounted. "Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure. The doctors think the Blackpool collapse was dehydration, so the message is clear – I have to take better care of myself." Menzies admitted that the demanding schedule of professional darts can make self‑care a challenge.
"I’m on the circuit from early morning until late evening – today I started at 9:30," he said. "These are long days, and as I get older I have to be more mindful.
My breakfast was just porridge, and I haven’t eaten much since. In the past I might have grabbed a pizza, but I’m trying to make smarter choices now." He noted a broader shift in the sport, observing that many younger players now treat darts like a fitness‑focused discipline.
"A lot of players now jog or walk as part of their routine. Darts is probably in better shape than ever because a new generation of fit, athletic youngsters is coming through. It isn’t the same as when we grew up playing in clubs and pubs. These kids are in youth academies, and they’re catching up quickly," he explained.
During the tournament, Menzies displayed his usual high scoring, averaging over 101 in his opening match against Nick Kenny and later surviving a dramatic comeback from Canada’s Jim Long in a last‑leg decider. He continued his march by beating Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6-4 and top seed Wessel Nijman by the same margin. In the quarter‑finals, Menzies dispatched Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3 with another impressive average, then edged Kevin Doets to reach his third Players Championship final in five events.
In the semi‑final, he surged to a 5-0 lead against Van Veen, briefly allowing the Dutchman a chance to claw back with three consecutive legs, but Menzies steadied himself, taking three of the next four legs to seal the match and the £15,000 prize. After the victory, the Scot expressed gratitude and ambition. "I’m grateful to be here and I don’t take it for granted. I’d like to finish the year on a high note.
I’m already qualified for the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I’m in a very fortunate position," he said. The PDC ProTour calendar moves forward with Players Championship 30 scheduled for Wednesday, as competitors intensify their bids to qualify for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals.
The detailed results from Players Championship 29 include: - Last 16: Menzies 6-4 Wessel Nijman, 6-4 Jeffrey de Graaf, 6-5 Danny Noppert, 6-5 Kevin Doets, 6-3 Cristo Reyes, 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena, 6-4 Callan Rydz, 6-4 Oskar Lukasiak, 6-4 Dave Chisnall, 6-4 William O'Connor, 6-3 Cor Dekker, 6-3 Chris Dobey, 6-5 Josh Rock, 6-5 Gian van Veen, 6-5 Nathan Aspinall. - Quarter‑Finals: Menzies 6-3 Jeffrey de Graaf, 6-2 Kevin Doets, 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena, 6-3 William O'Connor, 6-4 Oskar Lukasiak, 6-5 Gian van Veen, 6-3 Chris Dobey. - Semi‑Finals: Menzies 7-5 Kevin Doets, 7-5 Gian van Veen.
- Final: Menzies 8-4 Gian van Veen. The event also featured a nine‑dart finish from Cristo Reyes in his opening round win over Ian White, and a perfect leg from Max Hopp in his second‑round victory over Tom Bissell.
Looking ahead, Sky Sports will continue to broadcast major darts events, including the World Grand Prix (28 September‑4 October), the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November), and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January). Fans can stream all action via NOW without a contract, ensuring the sport remains accessible to a global audience.