‘That’s not how it works’ – James Wade defended after he broke unwritten darts rule with awkward handshake snub
VINCENT VAN DER VOORT has backed James Wade after he refused to shake hands with Cameron Menzies.
The Scot held out a sportsmanlike hand with the players tied up at 5-5 at the International Darts Open.
But The Machine snubbed the gesture and left his Scottish rival hanging in a funny moment.
Menzies would swiftly take his revenge by winning the leg against the darts in the second round at Riesa recently.
Former UK Open finalist Van der Voort dismissed the idea that Wade did anything wrong.
He said on the Darts Draait Door podcast: “There’s no rule that says you have to shake hands before a deciding leg.
“It’s not necessary. Why should it be? You’ve already shaken hands before the match.
“At some point, this whole handshake-before-the-last-leg thing just crept in. Wishing your opponent a good game again?
“No thanks—that’s not how it works.”
Van der Voort acknowledged that the gesture has become an unwritten tradition in darts but questioned its necessity.
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He added: “It’s all meant to be very sportsmanlike, and I get that. But I don’t think it should be expected.
“It can come across as a bit awkward. And maybe it even adds some pressure for your opponent.
“I’m not there to be friendly. I’m there to win.
“It’s customary, yes, but it’s not mandatory.”
Menzies recently revealed he is set to turn pro and ditch his job as a plumber.
Cammy won his second Players Championship title last week after almost missing out after being stuck in traffic on the M1.
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Menzies, who is in the same management team as Gary Anderson, now believes he can improve if he gives up the day job.
He said: “I’m quitting my job soon.
“I’m taking up darts full-time. It is genuinely crazy, my darts career is kicking off, it’s my dream.”