Superstar Scottish slinger and furniture fiend, Cammie Menzies, claimed a third career Players Championship title, defeating Cristo Reyes in Leicester.
The tartan World Cup man likes performing in this East Midlands town, with all his triumphs arriving at the Mattioli. Victory also stamps Cam’s spot at the World Matchplay later this month, something that was hanging in the balance a few weeks ago. Now he can relax and know he’s off to the seaside to hopefully inflict more misery on opponents than the blokes on the promenade do to their poor horses.
After taking out an impressive Charlie Manby in the quarters, Menzies then got past the yellow peril, Dave Chisnall – himself making a late dash for Blackpool, which, given he lives in the neighbouring town of Morecambe, he could probably jog to. However, one fears if the Saints lad attempted that, he would die.
Facing the Scot in the final was a bloke from Spain, with Cristo Reyes making history by becoming the first Spaniard ever to reach the final of a PDC Players Championship. Before that, the furthest an España arrow-smith had gone was the semi-finals – and that was The Spartan donkey’s years ago (assuming said donkey is 10) in Barnsley.
El darto saw off David Sharp in the last four, with the newcomer bagging a personal best. Bit late for the man nicknamed Razor to make a bid for Blackpool. He’d need the PDC to seriously up the prize money tomorrow and then win the thing. One could happen. Both will not.
Mind you, in July that Lancashire seaside resort is populated with more Scots than a Braveheart battle scene, as the nation gives specific industries a fortnight off. So what do they do? Head to the most overpriced place in Northern England, dress up as superheroes and various coloured crayons, get smashed and sing Highland songs all night at the Winter Gardens. Not a stereotype, by the way. Merely an observation.
In the final, at 6-2 up, it looked like Menzies was cruising to the title. Back came The Spartan to almost level it up. But for three attempts at double eight which missed by the width of an ant’s arse, it would have been parity. As it was, they only count when they go in, and Cammie ran away from there to win 8-5.
Bit of nine-dart news to tell you about. That was hit by Joseph Cullen in his match against Jack Tweddell. For that, he gets a cheeky little silver pin, which is always nicer to receive in the post than a letter from the DRA – ain’t that right, Cam?
A quick shout-out to what I call PBM – Personal Best Merchants. Basically, those who swam in uncharted waters for the first time this year. I’ve already mentioned Sharpy, whose wit doesn’t quite match his moniker. Today was Chizzy’s first semi-final – on this particular circuit, of course. Thankfully, I don’t have a record of the other one.
Super Mario strung a couple of wins together – something he hadn’t done all season. Adam Warner also got to the last 16, new waters for the questionably white-trousered chucker. Special mention to Challenge Tour call-up Danny Ayres who, on just his eighth appearance, bagged a quarter-final. Nice.
So all that’s left to do is have a look at the World Matchplay race. With just one event left tomorrow until that door metaphorically slams shut, let’s see who needs how much and who needs a miracle.
Right now, only two lads are inside the qualification places but teetering on the edge. Going to have a butcher’s at those still in contention first:
15th: DAMON HETA (£83,250)
16th: DARYL GURNEY (£83,000)
17th: DAVE CHISNALL (£82,500)
18th: KIM HUYBRECHTS (£78,250)
19th: KAREL SEDLACEK (£73,750)
20th: SEBASTIAN BIALECKI (£73,750)
21st: JEFFREY DE GRAAF (£69,250)
For full listings, click here: WORLD MATCHPLAY RACE
So basically, from those below 16th, this is the minimum required. After that, it’s in the lap of whatever God they believe in.
The Hurricane could get there with a semi-final. Sedlacek and Bialecki have a sniff but must reach the final. As for Jeff, he must win the whole thing and then hope Superchin and Chizzy fall at the first fence.
To be honest, as good as the Swede is, he’s the only one needing divine intervention tomorrow.
Well done to Camster.
No tables were damaged in creating this report.
