Darts has been bizarre at the best of times recently with new major winners aplenty and
Cameron Menzies and Mickey Mansell have continued that unpredictability at the
Grand Slam of Darts.
With Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen both out, the favourites narrow and with it an opportunity presents itself which Menzies is the latest to take. After saying he wasn't good enough to be a pro a few months ago and working during the day as a plumber still, he continues to break new ground.
From being a maiden ranking winner last month, he is now into a first major Quarter-Final and will face Mansell on Friday in Wolverhampton for a spot in the semi-finals. He saw off
James Wade in a dramatic decider 10-9 with the three-time finalist unable to take the opportunity presented to him.
Both players missed doubles in the early stages. But Menzies edged ahead with two 180's and a 92 average. 'The Machine' managed to turn it around at the next interval. He made it four legs from the last five to move two clear. Menzies though fought back.
He hit a 97 checkout to nip back in front at 8-7. Wade levelled up with a 124 checkout for parity, Menzies edged towards the finishing line with a 113 checkout at 9-8. Menzies missed a match dart at double 20 and Wade hit the same double to send it all the way at 9-9. Menzies missed multiple match darts before he finally prevailed. He fell to the floor and dramatically celebrated as only Menzies could.
In a section of the draw which features Ritchie Edhouse, Rob Cross and Ross Smith, it remains unpredictable and Menzies could be going into work yet a new major winner at the end of the week. But does he now believe?