Cameron Menzies delivered a ruthless 6-0 whitewash of James Wade at the 2026 Poland Darts Open in Krakow, averaging 99.10 in a dominant victory that included two 180s and six successful doubles from twelve attempts. Wade struggled, averaging 87.45 and failing to hit a single 180. However, the match's aftermath highlighted a deeper story of support, with Menzies revealing how Wade helped him through the fallout from his meltdown at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace last December.
At the World Championship, Menzies' frustration boiled over after a shock defeat, leading him to repeatedly strike the underside of the stage table and badly injure his hand, requiring medical treatment. In the weeks that followed, he openly struggled with the physical and mental consequences. It was during this period that Wade stood out, as Menzies recounted in a conversation with Tungsten Tales. "We just spoke because I done an exhibition in Twickenham in London with James, and he was the first darts player that actually asked me how I feel. Not just a fake answer, but how do you actually feel?" Menzies said. "He has his own issues, and he knows more than anybody else what life can do. He genuinely gave me a proper look in the eyes and asked me, 'Are you okay?'"
Menzies emphasized the sincerity of Wade's gesture, noting, "I said to him, you're the first person that actually meant it, not just a stupid 'are you okay' question. He shook my hand, looked straight in my eyes and asked if everything was okay." Despite being rivals on the oche, Menzies expressed deep respect for Wade, saying, "I've got a lot of love and respect for James, honestly. I tried to give him a cuddle, but he just punched me in the chest – he doesn't like cuddles!" He added, "He's a great player and I do think he's looking up the league. I think that will make him a better player again, because there's no denying his legacy is there."
In the match itself, Menzies showed no sentimentality, opening with a 40 checkout against the throw, making it 3-0 with a clinical 62 finish, pushing the lead to 5-0 with a composed 120 finish, and completing the whitewash with double 16. The victory marked a stark contrast from his turmoil at Ally Pally, where he left overwhelmed and injured, to his composure in Krakow. As Menzies made clear, sometimes the most important support comes from a fellow professional who asks the right question at the right time.
