By Phil Lanning

CAMERON MENZIES has vowed to come back stronger after his emotional Worlds exit. 

The World No.39 returns to action for the Winmau World Masters qualifiers at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes today (Wednesday).

Menzies, 35, was last seen leaving the Ally Pally stage a month ago in tears after losing to Leonard Gates as he struggled to deal with his dad Ricky being seriously ill in hospital after a triple heart bypass op.

He revealed: “My dad is home, he’s a bit frail but he’s out walking. He’s come on and bounds which is a big relief. 

“I feared the worst just before Christmas but now there’s a big difference in him.

“I’m hoping to start the season off the same as 80 per cent of it went last year.

“Obviously the Worlds was a bit of a downer. The only way to get over that is back playing and forgetting about it. That’s the aim. 

“I haven’t played as much, I lost the love for a bit because of what happened at the Ally Pally. That happens to all players.”

It’s going to be a brutal day of qualification in Milton Keynes with a total of 129 players competing for eight remaining places in the Winmau World Masters.

He added: “It’s good to be back for the World Masters qualifier. It’s a free hit for me. I don’t know where my game is at right now. We’ll see how it goes. 

“It’s a local tournament for me. I can fall out of bed and get to the Marshall Arena in five minutes, so I can’t complain. 

“Once again I could draw Fallon. I play a winner of a group but I don’t know who that could be yet. 

“My aim for this year is much the same as last season. I want to win a ProTour, reach the Matchplay and have a much better run at the Worlds. 

“Hopefully no more tears. I know life can change. That’s the first time I’ve ever experienced anything like that. I did struggle with it.

“I have been in touch with my psychologist by text message. He’s been telling me bits and bobs and told me to listen to a few things. 

“I don’t like watching anything back when I’ve played, even when I’ve won. When I celebrate it’s just cringe and show emotion, I don’t like it. It’s just the way I am, it’s just relief. 

“Maybe I put too much pressure on myself, I’m just trying that hard. The best way is to be more chilled. 

“It’s getting the balance of being hyper but not too hyper. Sometimes my emotions boil over. 

“It’s been nice chilling for a bit. Fallon and I are looking to have a holiday because we’ve never had a proper holiday since we’ve been together. 

“But the way things are going this year is going to be very busy for me.”