Leonard Gates has revealed the words of advice he gave to a tearful Cameron Menzies on stage after beating the Scottish player at the World Darts Championship.
Menzies was the favourite to progress against Gates, who was making just his second PDC World Championship appearance.
But the American pulled off an upset by beating the world No 39 3-1 in front of a boisterous Alexandra Palace crowd.
Gates had waves of support from the crowd throughout the match while Menzies had to cope with anti-Scotland chants.
Cameron Menzies was tearful on stage
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The Scottish darts star was also jeered at times with fans cheering his misses in the match.
He struggled to keep his emotions in check as Gates closed in on victory with Gates seen wiping away tears on stage.
The pair shared a warm embrace after the match with Gates revealing what he told his tearful opponent.
He said: “I just told him, ‘I hope you just block it out and play the game’.
“Don’t get involved in the negativity that somebody is cheering against you or whatever it may be, just stay focused on what you’re doing and go forward with that.
“For me, I’ll use that energy. I’ll block it out but I’ll use that energy because if you play your darts and hit what you need to hit, trust me the crowd will get quiet.”
He added: “I hope I said some things to him that will help him in his game, personally as in life also.
“He has to figure out what it is with him. If he needs more help or whatever but hopefully I said something that will build his confidence and he’ll keep his game going.”
Menzies retweeted a video of the final stages of his match from a fan who accompanied the post with: “Scum from the crowd.”
Cameron Menzies was active on social media after his loss
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The 35-year-old also took to social media to post a now-deleted photo of himself alongside his dad in hospital.
The caption read: “I didn’t wanna post this man… my dad my hero.”
Menzies, who is the partner of female darts star Fallon Sherrock, received an outpouring of support on social media after his loss.
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William Borland wrote: “Some of the comments I’ve seen on social media is absolutely shocking I hope yous all hang your head in shame speedy recovery ricky and hats off to you cammy for stepping up and doing your best.”
Another posted read: “Bless him. Up the @CameronMenzies hope you’re okay pal.”
A third posted: “What a man for even getting on that stage tonight.”
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