Gerwyn Price secured his place in the World Matchplay quarter‑finals with a decisive 11‑5 victory over Rob Cross, following the unexpected withdrawal of Cameron Menzies due to illness at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. The evening began with a dramatic incident involving Menzies. While leading 2‑1 against Ross Smith, the Scottish player suddenly felt dizzy on stage and later collapsed, prompting medical staff to escort him back to his hotel. After a thorough assessment, doctors confirmed he suffered from a sudden spike in blood pressure that caused the fainting spell.
Consequently, the match was abandoned and Smith advanced to the last eight, where he will now face Price after the Welshman's dominant win over Cross. Price's match against Cross started evenly, with the Englishman holding a 3‑2 lead. The Iceman then seized control, stringing together six consecutive legs to surge ahead 8‑3.
Although Cross rallied briefly to narrow the gap to 8‑5, Price responded with another flurry of three legs, sealing the match and celebrating with his trademark roar. After the win, Price told Sky Sports, "I felt like I was struggling all through the game.
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'm heading in the right direction. I need that energy, I need that buzz, and Ross brings that. You will see the old me back as long as the fans accept it." Smith's progression was also marked by medical concerns.
After Menzies' collapse, Smith was taken off stage, doubled over and appearing unsteady. He received immediate medical attention and was cleared, but his condition prevented him from continuing the match.
The PDC released a statement confirming Menzies experienced high blood pressure, felt dizzy, fainted, and was later deemed fit to return to his accommodation. Menzies had entered the tournament in fine form, having upset world No.
2 Luke Humphries in the first round – the biggest win of his career to date. His early exit was a disappointment for many fans who had hoped to see more of his promising play. In another quarter‑final slot, Dutch rising star Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year.
Van Veen is looking for revenge after a narrow 16‑13 loss to Wade in the 2025 edition. He earned his place by edging out Wessel Nijman in a gripping 14‑12 tie‑break, after a tightly contested match that showcased both players' high‑level scoring.
Nijman, who has already claimed six Pro Tour titles in 2026, entered the match on a roll and was eager to translate his floor success to a major stage. Van Veen, the world No.
3, started strongly, breaking Nijman's throw twice in the first session, including a spectacular 135 finish on the bull, to lead 4‑1. Nijman fought back, hitting a series of maximums and taking four of the next five legs to level the score at 5‑5. Sky Sports darts analyst Wayne Mardle described the encounter as "edgy but enthralling," noting that both players averaged around 97. Nijman again took the lead at 11‑10, but Van Veen responded with a stunning 148 checkout under intense pressure, tying the match at 11‑11.
The decisive 25th leg saw Van Veen break Nijman's throw and, on double 16, clinch the match, denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance. The final match of the night featured veteran James Wade overcoming a tough 11‑8 battle against Ryan Searle, securing his 14th quarter‑final spot in what is his 21st World Matchplay appearance. The early exchanges were tightly contested, with each break of throw immediately answered.
At 5‑5, Wade found a brilliant 121 checkout on the bull and followed it with a hold of throw to move ahead 8‑5. Searle managed a break back, but Wade delivered a clutch 143 finish to re‑establish a 9‑7 lead. Maintaining composure, Wade held his throw to close the match on double 12.
Quarter‑final action kicks off on Thursday, with live coverage beginning at 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Action and Main Event. The semi‑finals will feature a repeat of the 2025 Winter Gardens showdown as Luke Littler faces Josh Rock for a place in the final four, while Gary Anderson will take on Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final berth. Fans are eager to see who will claim this year's World Matchplay title.
Defending champion Luke Littler will be looking to retain his crown, and all matches will be streamed via NOW for subscribers. The tournament continues to deliver high‑octane darts, dramatic comebacks, and the occasional medical emergency, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this premier event.