Leonard Gates gave opponent Cameron Menzies some words of advice as he looked visibly emotional stage during their first round match at the World Championship.
In the final stages of Tuesday's clash at the Alexandra Palace, a distraught Menzies broke down in tears as he struggled in front of a boisterous crowd.
The Scot, who is ranked 39th in the PDC's order of merit, was eventually beaten 3-1 by the experienced Gates after completing just five out of a possible 32 checkout attempts.
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In his post-match press conference, Gates opened up on what he told Menzies as he stood on the oche.
"I just told him, 'I hope you just block it out and play the game,'" he said. "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."
Gates added: "I hope I said some things to him that will help him in his game, personally as in life also.
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"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."
After the match, Menzies posted a now-deleted picture of himself alongside his dad in hospital with the caption: "I didn't wanna post this man... my dad my hero."
Gates, who works as a truck driver in his native Texas, also showed his class with a brilliant post-match interview following the first round win.
"I was definitely aware of it (his emotions)," the 54-year-old said. "But at the same time, I want my opponent to play their best against me to see if I can play my best against them."
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He added: "I told him to use the energy of the crowd, keep coming and keep playing the best he can to grow the PDC. He can throw some great darts and I mean hats off to him. You know Cameron Menzies is a great man, a great opponent and I hope he keeps going."
Topics: Darts
Jack Kenmare