Cameron Menzies pulled off a stunning surprise on Monday night at the World Matchplay, edging out the 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7. The world No.2, Humphries, found himself up against one of the most lively and unpredictable competitors on the circuit, and the Scottish player answered the challenge in spectacular fashion. The defining moment of the match came when Menzies vaulted the Empress Ballroom’s ceiling with a flawless 170 checkout, a feat that left the former world champion reeling and secured Menzies his inaugural victory on the historic Winter Gardens stage. Earlier in the encounter, he demonstrated his finishing prowess with a double‑double 129 finish that gave him a 3-2 lead.
Humphries, however, responded with a run of six consecutive breaks of throw, highlighted by an impressive 167 checkout that brought the score level right after the first interval. Menzies then unleashed a blistering four‑leg streak, propelling him to a 7-3 advantage.
Although he could only capture one of the next five legs as Humphries attempted a comeback, the Scotsman’s composure never wavered. The turning point arrived when he produced another awe‑inspiring 170 checkout, delivering a massive shock to the crowd and booking a second‑round showdown with Ross Smith. "No one gave me hope!
I didn't give myself hope but I finally won a game at the Winter Gardens," Menzies exclaimed, his joy evident. He praised Humphries as both a great individual and a formidable opponent. "At 7-3 I was just trying not to think of that finishing line but the nerves kicked in. To beat Humphries, I know he will be disappointed.
He gave me a lot of stress at doubles but that's my biggest win." The Scottish star admitted his emotional nature can be a double‑edged sword. "I show a lot of emotion and I hate that I do that.
I'm trying to keep myself intact, stay composed because I know he was going to have a spell and batter me. He had a little spell but lucky enough I had that lead. I know that's not Humphries but I'll take it any day of the week," he added.
Former World Matchplay champion Wayne Mardle weighed in for Sky Sports, calling the victory "Humphries' best ever win, and he mentioned that." He highlighted Menzies' roller‑coaster of feelings throughout the match: "He was broken back early twice, that's up‑and‑down emotions. The high of breaking to being broken back.
Then he went on a run, and got pegged back. There was a lot happening in that game, but he held it all together beautifully. Humphries had an amazing spell of four legs, but then Menzies found a level again, and that's something we don't see enough.
What he should take away from tonight was the way he handled this situation. It was like he was there a million times before. He knows he can handle anything now." The action in the tournament continued with Ross Smith navigating a tense battle against debutant Kevin Doets, who posted a 104.19 average and hit a 160 and a match‑winning 120.
Smith survived a crucial 161 checkout by Doets, eventually pulling ahead with a decisive 120 Shanghai finish after establishing a 5-0 lead and weathering a mid‑session surge from his opponent. Former finalist Gerwyn Price also faced a scare, trailing German No.1 Martin Schindler 4-0 and 6-2 before rallying to claim an 11-9 win. "It doesn't usually happen.
Without the crowd, I would have lost today," Price admitted, describing the performance as the worst of his season. He reflected on the mental battle, noting that his confidence was low due to limited recent play, but he managed to persevere, adding, "That was one I should have lost, but I've won and I'm still in the tournament – I can't be any worse!" Price's next opponent will be Rob Cross, while "Voltage" kicked off his campaign with a dominant 10-3 victory over Danny Noppert, averaging 97.41, sealing a 128 checkout, and finishing with a 52.6% success rate on doubles. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens from July 18‑26, featuring a 32‑player field competing for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.
Highlights include two‑time world champion Luke Littler facing Nathan Aspinall after a convincing 10-6 opening win over Niko Springer, and Stephen Bunting battling Josh Rock after a nail‑biting 13-12 triumph over debutant Niels Zonneveld. Three‑time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen will meet fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, while 2018 champion Gary Anderson takes on 2023 runner‑up Jonny Clayton, having recorded the eighth‑highest average in Matchplay history with a 109.96 performance in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce. Fans can follow the drama live on Sky Sports, stream the matches via NOW, and stay updated through Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis.
The question on everyone's mind: who will lift the Phil Taylor Trophy this year? With Luke Littler defending his title and a host of seasoned contenders in the mix, the tournament promises more unforgettable moments on the legendary Winter Gardens stage.