Cameron Menzies, the winner of Players Championship 29, recently 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 prompted him to scrutinise his lifestyle and make changes to his health routine.
Menzies secured his second ProTour title of the 2026 season by defeating Dutch contender Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final, a victory that added a fourth PDC ranking title to his résumé after a remarkable run of seven consecutive wins in the Maassport Den Bosch event. Reflecting on the incident that forced him to withdraw from a Blackpool tournament, Menzies recounted how, during his second‑round match against Ross Smith, he suddenly felt unwell and had to pull out. "Even before the incident, 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.
My family has a history of heart problems, so I immediately booked scans to rule anything serious out." The medical examinations revealed that his primary issue was excess weight, and the Blackpool episode was later attributed to severe dehydration, which caused his blood pressure to spike as panic set in. "I’ve never experienced anything like that before," Menzies admitted. He went on to describe the extensive testing he underwent at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital, where he spent ten hours undergoing blood work and other checks. "Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure," he explained.
"The doctors think the Blackpool incident was simply dehydration, so the takeaway for me is that I need to look after myself more carefully." Menzies highlighted the importance of hydration and nutrition, especially during long tournament days that can stretch from early morning until late evening. "I’ll be drinking water and electrolytes from now on," he said.
"We’re not all professional athletes, and the schedule can be brutal. I’ve been at the venue since 9:30 a.m.
and these are long days, so I have to be mindful of my health." He also noted a shift in his dietary habits, opting for a simple porridge breakfast instead of his usual pizza, acknowledging that he needs to make smarter food choices to sustain his performance. "I used to grab a pizza between matches, but now I’m trying to be better about it," he said. Menzies observed a broader trend within darts, pointing out that many younger players now treat the sport like a fitness regimen. "A lot of players now jog or walk as part of their routine.
Darts is probably in a better shape than ever because a new generation of fit, athletic youngsters is coming through," he remarked. "When we started, we played in clubs and pubs, but today these kids are in youth academies, training like athletes." During the tournament, Menzers displayed his usual high‑scoring prowess, averaging over 101 in his opening match against Nick Kenny and surviving a dramatic last‑leg decider against Canada’s Jim Long. He continued his run by beating Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4, then top‑seed Wessel Nijman by the same scoreline. In the quarter‑finals, he dispatched Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3 with another impressive average, and in the semi‑finals he overcame Kevin Doets to secure a place in his third Players Championship final in five events.
The final saw him surge 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, winning three of the next four legs to clinch the match 8‑4 and the £15,000 prize. Speaking after the victory, Menzies 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 ProTour season continues with Players Championship 30, and the race to qualify for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals is heating up.
Menzies’ story serves as a reminder that even elite competitors must monitor their health, stay hydrated, and adapt their lifestyles to the demands of a grueling competition calendar. For reference, here are the results from Players Championship 29: - Last 16: Cameron Menzies 6‑4 Wessel Nijman, Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑4 Danny Noppert, Kevin Doets 6‑5 Cristo Reyes, Jermaine Wattimena 6‑3 Callan Rydz, Oskar Lukasiak 6‑4 Dave Chisnall, William O'Connor 6‑4 Cor Dekker, Chris Dobey 6‑3 Josh Rock, Gian van Veen 6‑5 Nathan Apsinall - Quarter‑Finals: Menzies 6‑3 Jeffrey de Graaf, Kevin Doets 6‑2 Jermaine Wattimena, William O'Connor 6‑3 Oskar Lukasiak, Gian van Veen 6‑5 Chris Dobey - Semi‑Finals: Menzies 7‑5 Kevin Doets, Gian van Veen 7‑5 William O'Connor - Final: Menzies 8‑4 Gian van Veen The event also featured nine‑dart finishes from Cristo Reyes and Max Hopp.
Upcoming televised darts action includes the World Grand Prix (28 Sept‑4 Oct), Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 Nov) and the World Darts Championship (10 Dec‑3 Jan), all broadcast on Sky Sports and streamed via NOW without a contract.