Blackpool: Cameron Menzies stuns Luke Humphries in World Matchplay first round
Menzies secures notable victory
Cameron Menzies achieved a significant upset at the World Matchplay, defeating Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round. The match took place on Monday night at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Menzies, appearing in his second World Matchplay, secured his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with a notable performance against the 2024 champion.
The match saw an inspired 170 checkout from Menzies to seal the victory. Menzies expressed his delight, stating that no one, including himself, gave him hope for the win, making it a momentous occasion to finally win a game at the Winter Gardens. He acknowledged Humphries as a great player and admitted to feeling nervous as he neared the finishing line, describing the win as his biggest in the PDC.
The contest began with seven consecutive breaks of throw. Menzies showcased a brilliant double-double 129 finish early on, taking a 3-2 lead. Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand’, responded with a magnificent 167 checkout to level the score after the first interval. Menzies then went on a strong four-leg run, establishing a 7-3 lead. Despite Humphries’ efforts to close the gap by winning four of the next five legs, Menzies maintained his composure.
Menzies ultimately restored his lead with a 98 checkout before securing the match with his sensational 170 finish. Wayne Mardle, speaking after the match, described Menzies’ win as his best ever, highlighting how he handled the pressure and various emotional swings throughout the game. Mardle noted that Menzies was broken back early twice and experienced highs and lows, but managed to hold it together beautifully, finding another level even after Humphries had a strong spell.
Other first-round results
Following his victory, Cameron Menzies is set to face Ross Smith in the second round. Smith advanced after overcoming Kevin Doets. Smith took an early 5-0 lead, which included a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout. Although Doets managed to reduce the deficit to 6-4 and later produced a 161 finish to extend the match, Smith ultimately secured his win with a 120 Shanghai finish.
In another first-round encounter, former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price survived a challenge from Martin Schindler, winning 11-9. Price trailed 4-0 and 6-2 before making a comeback to lead 9-8. Schindler forced a tie-break with a 121 checkout, but Price immediately broke throw and completed the turnaround with a 100 checkout. Price admitted that he played poorly, calling it his worst performance of the season, and credited the crowd for his survival in the match.
Price will now face Rob Cross in the second round. Cross, the 2019 champion, secured a convincing 10-3 victory over Danny Noppert in his opening match. Cross led 5-0 at the break and maintained his advantage, finishing with an impressive 52.6 per cent on the doubles.
Upcoming matches
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the Winter Gardens until July 26. The tournament features a 32-player field competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy. Tuesday’s schedule includes several key matchups.
Two-time world champion Luke Littler, who successfully defended his title with a 10-6 win over Niko Springer on Day One, will take on Nathan Aspinall. Stephen Bunting is set to play Josh Rock after Bunting survived three match darts to edge past Niels Zonneveld 13-12. Three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen will face fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. Additionally, Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, will compete against 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton, having recorded a strong average of 109.96 in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce.
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Source: skysports.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
