Cameron Menzies claimed his first title of the yr at Gamers Championship 23, defeating Cristo Reyes 8-5 in Monday’s last.
The Scotsman, who had beforehand received two ProTour titles in Leicester again in 2024 and 2025, emerged by a 128-player area to take the £15,000 high prize on the Mattioli Area.
The 37-year-old’s triumph additionally got here with an added bonus by confirming his spot on 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 truthfully about his tribulations following an emotional day in Leicester.
Menzies made headlines on the World Darts Championship in December when he punched a desk following an opening-round defeat, an incident that left him needing hospital remedy after critically injuring his hand.
He continued: “I by no means thought I would win one in all these once more! I assumed I used to be carried out, I made a mistake – I let my household and my associates down. It is a second that I’ve to simply accept.
“I genuinely thought [my] darts had been spiralling as a result of I used to be struggling. It hasn’t been my greatest efficiency, to even get to the quarter-finals I used to be buzzing – I feel I’ve received one board last all yr!
“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 advantages of getting a life coach alongside the assist he has obtained from again residence.
The Blackpool-bound Scot started the afternoon with a formidable whitewash victory over Carl Sneyd – averaging north of 102 within the course of.
Menzies then went on to beat Nathan Potter earlier than successful one other contest with out reply, this time in opposition to Norway’s Cor Dekker.
From there, the Scottish star picked up a press release victory over Josh Rock, successful six straight legs to beat the Northern Irishman 6-3.
The World Cup semi-finalist then acquired the higher of Charlie Manby earlier than finishing one other thrilling comeback victory in opposition to Dave Chisnall to e-book his place within the last.
After having fun with a profitable begin to the competition, Menzies blew a number of possibilities to increase his result in 4-1 over the Spaniard. Reyes ultimately broke the Scotsman’s throw with a 20-darter – which momentarily acquired him again into the sport.
Cameron Menzies claimed his first title of 2026
Nonetheless, Menzies responded brilliantly by successful legs in 12, 15 and 12 darts once more to increase his result in 6-2.
In a sport of twists and turns, Reyes went on to reel off three legs on the spin earlier than a ten-darter from Menzies – which put the Scot one leg away from the crown within the East Midlands.
From there, the Ayrshire ace took care of enterprise – sealing an 8-5 victory over Reyes to win his first rating title of 2026.
Elsewhere, Joe Cullen produced perfection in his conflict in opposition to Jack Tweddell, though his exploits got here in a shedding trigger, as Tweddell ran out a 6-3 winner in opposition to the previous Masters champion.
The 2026 ProTour season continues tomorrow afternoon in Leicester because the race to qualify for the Betfred World Matchplay continues, with the likes of Damon Heta and Daryl Gurney combating to verify their spots while others stay within the hunt.
2026 Gamers Championship 23
Final 16
Cristo Reyes 6-0 William O’Connor
Daniel Ayres 6-4 Yorick Hofkens
David Sharp 6-3 Wesley Plaisier
Tom Sykes 6-2 Kim Huybrechts
Charlie Manby 6-3 Adam Warner
Cameron Menzies 6-3 Josh Rock
Christian Kist 6-4 Mike De Decker
Dave Chisnall 6-4 Ryan Searle
Quarter-Finals
Cristo Reyes 6-4 Daniel Ayres
David Sharp 6-4 Tom Sykes
Cameron Menzies 6-2 Charlie Manby
Dave Chisnall 6-3 Christian Kist
Semi-Finals
Cristo Reyes 7-3 David Sharp
Cameron Menzies 7-5 Dave Chisnall
Closing
Cameron Menzies 8-5 Cristo Reyes
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