Cameron Menzies has revealed the heartbreaking loss that will drive his World Championship campaign.
A year ago at Ally Pally, Menzies broke down in tears during his defeat to Leonard Gates while his father Ricky was hospitalised.
At the same time, his uncle Gary Eagle – a decent darts player himself – was also battling serious health issues. While his father recovered in the New Year, his uncle died this month.
Menzies will carry his memory throughout the World Championship and says that Eagle would prefer him to perform at Alexandra Palace, even if it means being absent from the funeral.
The Ayrshire ace said: “My uncle was in Somerset, so we did the Players’ Championship recently and I went in to see him. And I’m glad I did because, four days later, he passed, but we knew it was coming.”
“Since Covid and stuff, he deteriorated. Diabetes and dementia and that. Every time I seen him it was getting worse and worse and I’m glad I went.
“Obviously he was bedbound and he couldn’t speak, but he gave me a wee look. Four days later he passed. I think he held on for me because I think I was the closest thing he had to a son.
“He never made Ally Pally. He went to Lakeside the first time I was there, that’s where he’s fit and healthy. Over the last couple of years, he obviously deteriorated, but life’s a bugger that way.
“I’m getting his Somerset County shirt framed and put on the wall. He was there for me when I was younger, he was there when I won my first Youth Tournament, so aye.
“The way it works out, if I win my first game, I’d miss his funeral. If I was to make it through to the second-round, my next game would be on the 22nd and that’s the same day.
“I’d want to be there, but I’d happily miss it for that and I know he would also rather that I was not at the funeral and still be in the tournament. I’m sure he’d understand because he’s a big darts man just like me.”
