James Wade has been defended after he seemingly refused to shake his opponent’s hand.
Wade was facing Cameron Menzies at the International Darts Open when the awkward exchange occurred.
With the contest tied at 5-5, the pair were going into a last-leg decider when Menzies looked to shake his opponent’s hand in a show of sportsmanship.
The Machine was having none of it as he left his opponent hanging as he refused and turned back towards the oche.
While Menzies had the last laugh after claiming victory, Wade’s actions have since been defended by former UK Open finalist Vincent van der Voort.
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.”
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.”
Having recently won his second Players Championship title, Menzies has since confirmed that he plans to give up his day job as a plumber.
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.”
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