Gerwyn Price secured his place in the World Matchplay quarter‑finals with a convincing 11‑5 triumph over Rob Cross, after Cameron Menzies was forced to pull out of his earlier match because of illness at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The evening’s first encounter took a dramatic turn when Menzies, who had taken a 2‑1 lead against Ross Smith, suddenly felt dizzy on stage.
Within minutes he collapsed, fainted, and was escorted off the arena. Medical personnel examined him and cleared him to return to his hotel, but his condition was too serious for him to continue. As a result, the match was abandoned and Smith progressed to the last eight, where he will now face Price following the Welshman’s dominant victory over Cross.
Price’s match against Cross began with the latter holding a narrow 3‑2 advantage, but the Iceman swiftly seized control, stringing together six successive legs to surge ahead 8‑3. Although Cross rallied briefly, narrowing the gap to 8‑5, Price responded with another three‑leg run, sealing the win with his trademark roar and clinching the match 11‑5.
After the match, Price spoke to Sky Sports about his performance. "I felt like I was struggling all through the game," he admitted. "I couldn't find my scoring rhythm; it was up and down. If I want to win this tournament I need to be a lot better than that, but I am heading in the right direction.
I need that energy, I need that buzz, and Ross (Smith) brings that. You are going to see the old me. As long as the fans accept it, then it will be back." Smith’s own bout ended abruptly when Menzies, after doubling over and appearing unsteady, was taken off the stage for medical attention. The PDC later released a statement confirming that Menzies suffered from high blood pressure, which caused his dizziness and fainting.
After assessment by the on‑site medical team, he was deemed fit to return to his accommodation but was too unwell to resume the match. Menzies had entered the competition in impressive form, having upset world number two Luke Humphries in the first round – the biggest victory of his career to date.
His withdrawal was a disappointment for both fans and the player himself. In another quarter‑final slot, Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year. Van Veen is looking to avenge his 16‑13 loss to Wade in 2025 after he edged past Wessel Nijman in a thrilling 14‑12 tie‑break to reach the last eight. The van Veen‑Nijman clash showcased two of the Netherlands’ finest talents.
Nijman, who has already claimed six Pro Tour titles in 2026, entered the match with confidence, hoping to translate his floor‑game success to the big stage. Van Veen, ranked world number three, quickly established dominance, taking two breaks of throw – including a spectacular 135 checkout on the bull – to lead 4‑1 after the first session. Nijman fought back, hitting several maximums and claiming four of the next five legs to level the score at 5‑5.
Sky Sports Darts analyst Wayne Mardle described the contest as “edgy but enthralling,” noting that both players were averaging around 97. Nijman later broke again to go 11‑10 ahead, but van Veen responded with an astonishing 148 checkout under immense pressure, tying the match at 11‑11 while Nijman waited on a 64 finish.
The decisive 25th leg saw van Veen break Nijman’s throw and step onto double 16, sealing his quarter‑final berth and denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance. In the final match of the night, James Wade endured a hard‑fought 11‑8 victory over Ryan Searle, securing his 14th quarter‑final spot in what is his 21st World Matchplay appearance.
The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with each break of throw being immediately answered. The score was dead‑locked at 5‑5 before Wade produced a brilliant 121 checkout on the bullseye, followed by a hold of throw to move ahead 8‑5.
Searle managed to break back, but Wade’s composure shone through as he delivered a clutch 143 finish. Maintaining his lead at 9‑7, the veteran known as “The Machine” stayed steady on his throw, ultimately booking his place on double 12.
The quarter‑finals will kick off on Thursday, with live coverage beginning at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and Main Event. The draw features a replay of the 2025 semi‑final epic: Luke Littler will face Josh Rock for a spot in the final four, while Gary Anderson meets Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final slot.
Fans are already speculating about who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year. Defending champion Luke Littler will look to retain his title, and the tournament promises more drama, high‑scoring finishes, and unforgettable moments as the world’s best darts players compete for glory. All matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports and can also be accessed via NOW for viewers who prefer online streaming.