Cameron Menzies, the champion of Players Championship 29, has opened up about a frightening health scare he endured while travelling to Switzerland, a moment that forced him to reevaluate his habits and overall wellbeing. The 37‑year‑old Scottish darts professional, who clinched a second ProTour title of the 2026 season by defeating Gian van Veen 8‑4 in the final, recounted the incident that occurred earlier in the year when he was forced to withdraw from a Blackpool tournament after feeling unwell during his second‑round match against Ross Smith. Menzies explained that the symptoms began on a flight to Switzerland.
"I was on the plane and I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack," he said. "I felt a tightness in my chest, my pulse was racing, and I was terrified.
Because heart disease runs in my family, I immediately requested medical scans once I landed." The tests revealed nothing serious, but doctors did advise him to lose weight and monitor his blood pressure. He later discovered that the episode in Blackpool was likely caused by severe dehydration, which had spiked his blood pressure and triggered a panic response he had never experienced before. Following the Blackpool incident, Menzies spent ten hours at Glasgow's Jubilee Hospital undergoing a battery of blood tests and cardiovascular examinations.
"Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure reading," he noted. "The medical team concluded that dehydration was the primary factor, so the key message for me is to take better care of my body." He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, especially during long competition days that can stretch from early morning until late evening.
"I’ll be drinking water and electrolytes now, but not everyone is an athlete," he added, acknowledging that many players juggle demanding schedules with limited recovery time. The Scottish player also described changes to his daily routine.
"My breakfast today was porridge, and I haven’t eaten much all day," Menzies said, contrasting his usual habit of grabbing a quick pizza slice with his new focus on healthier choices. He highlighted a broader trend among darts professionals: many are now incorporating jogging, walking, and other fitness activities into their training. "Darts is better than ever because a new generation of fit, athletic youngsters is coming through," he observed. "When we grew up, we played in clubs and pubs, but today these players are part of youth systems and are much more physically prepared." Menzies' performance at the Maassport Den Bosch event demonstrated that his renewed attention to health has not hindered his competitive edge.
He began the tournament with a 101+ average in a convincing win over Nick Kenny and survived a tense last‑leg decider against Canada's Jim Long. After dispatching Slovenia's Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4, he overcame top seed Wessel Nijman by the same scoreline, then beat Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3 to reach the semi‑finals. In the semi, he edged past Kevin Doets, securing his place in a third Players Championship final within five events.
The final against Gian van Veen was a showcase of Menzies' composure and skill. He surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying Van Veen a dart at double during a brilliant opening burst. Although Van Veen rallied with three consecutive legs, Menzies steadied himself, taking three of the next four legs to clinch an 8‑4 victory and the £15,000 top prize in the Netherlands.
"I’m grateful to be in this position and I don’t take it for granted," Menzies said after the match. "I’d like to finish the year on a high. I’m already qualified for the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I feel very fortunate." Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour season continues with Players Championship 30 on Wednesday, intensifying the race to qualify for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals. Menzies’ recent success, combined with his renewed focus on nutrition, hydration, and fitness, positions him as a strong contender for those upcoming events.
For reference, here is a summary of Menzies' path through Players Championship 29: - Last 16: defeated Wessel Nijman 6‑4, Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑4, Danny Noppert 6‑5, Cristo Reyes 6‑3, Jermaine Wattimena 6‑4, Callan Rydz 6‑4, Dave Chisnall 6‑4, William O'Connor 6‑4, Cor Dekker 6‑3, Josh Rock 6‑5, Gian van Veen 6‑5, Nathan Aspinall (scores vary). - Quarter‑Finals: beat Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3, Kevin Doets 6‑2, Jermaine Wattimena 6‑3, William O'Connor 6‑3, Oskar Lukasiak 6‑5, Gian van Veen 6‑5, Chris Dobey.
- Semi‑Finals: overcame Kevin Doets 7‑5, then Gian van Veen 7‑5. - Final: secured the title with an 8‑4 win over Gian van Veen. The tournament also featured notable moments such as Cristo Reyes hitting a nine‑dart finish against Ian White and Max Hopp achieving a perfect leg against Tom Bissell.
Darts fans can continue to follow the action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast 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) live. For those without a contract, NOW offers a streaming option to watch darts and other sports.