Cameron Menzies caused a major upset on Monday night at the World Matchplay, overcoming the 2024 champion Luke Humphries with a 10-7 victory. The world No. 2, Humphries, was the headline attraction, but he faced one of the sport’s most lively and unpredictable competitors in the Scottish player Menzies.
The match reached its climax when Menzies lifted the roof of the Empress Ballroom with a spectacular 170 checkout, leaving the former world champion stunned and securing Menzies’ first win on the historic Winter Gardens stage. The contest began with Menzies displaying his scoring power, delivering a flawless double‑double 129 finish that gave him a 3-2 lead. Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand,” answered with a run of six consecutive breaks of throw, highlighted by an impressive 167 checkout that tied the scores immediately after the first interval.
After this exchange, Menzies surged ahead, stringing together four straight legs to stretch his advantage to 7-3. However, the momentum shifted as Humphries fought back, taking one leg out of the next five while Menzies’ rhythm faltered briefly.
The turning point arrived when Menzies produced a dazzling 170 checkout, a feat that not only shocked the audience but also secured his place in the second round against Ross Smith. After the match, a elated Menzies reflected on his performance, saying, “No one gave me hope! I didn’t give myself hope, but I finally won a game at the Winter Gardens.” In the post‑match interview, Menzies praised Humphries, calling him “a great guy, a great player.” He admitted that the pressure of a 7-3 deficit made him focus on his finishing line, noting that nerves had crept in.
“I show a lot of emotion and I hate that I do that,” he said. “I’m trying to keep myself composed because I knew he would have a spell and try to batter me. He did have a little spell, but I was lucky enough to keep the lead.” He concluded, “I know that’s not Humphries, but I’ll take it any day of the week.” Former World Matchplay champion Wayne Mardle weighed in for Sky Sports, describing the win as “Humphries’ best ever victory, and he mentioned that.” Mardle highlighted Menzies’ emotional roller‑coaster, noting how the Scottish player was broken back early twice, then rallied with a run of legs before being pegged back again.
“There was a lot happening in that game, but he held it all together beautifully,” Mardle observed. He added that Humphries produced a four‑leg spell, yet Menzies found a level again – a quality that is rarely seen. “What he should take away from tonight is the way he handled the situation.
It was as if he had been there a million times before. He now knows he can handle anything.” The evening also featured other notable matches. Ross Smith survived a tough battle against debutant Kevin Doets, who posted a 104.19 average and hit a 160 and a match‑winning 120. Smith’s “Hawkeye” moment came with a stunning 161 checkout that saved the match, after which he kept the Dutchman at arm’s length.
After racing to a 5‑0 lead, Smith maintained his composure through a mid‑session scramble and sealed the win with a spectacular 120 Shanghai finish. Former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price also endured a dramatic encounter, narrowly escaping a scare against Germany’s No.
1 Martin Schindler to advance to the second round. Price trailed 4‑0 and 6‑2 before mounting a comeback, capitalising on Schindler’s errors on the outer ring to clinch an 11‑9 victory.
Reflecting on the match, Price admitted, “It doesn’t usually happen. Without the crowd, I would have lost today. That was the worst I’ve played all season. It goes to show, throwing sheep about instead of darts about, it doesn’t help!
I have no confidence at the minute because I haven’t played a lot. To battle through it – Martin was just as rubbish as me, thankfully.
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, after “Voltage” kicked off his campaign with a convincing 10‑3 win over Danny Noppert. The 2019 champion dominated, leading 5‑0 at the break, averaging 97.41, hitting a 128 checkout and finishing with an impressive 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 vying for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. Highlights include two‑time world champion Luke Littler, who will meet Nathan Aspinall after opening his defence with a 10‑6 triumph over Niko Springer on Day One in Blackpool. Stephen Bunting will face Josh Rock after surviving a classic Winter Gardens thriller against debutant Niels Zonneveld, edging past the Dutchman 13‑12 despite three match darts.
Three‑time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen is set to clash with fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, while 2018 champion Gary Anderson will take on 2023 runner‑up Jonny Clayton. Anderson recorded the eighth‑highest average in World Matchplay history, posting a 109.96 average in his 10‑2 demolition of Ryan Joyce. Fans are left to wonder who will lift the trophy this year. Luke Littler will defend his title, and all action will be streamed on Sky Sports and NOW, offering darts enthusiasts the chance to follow every leg, every checkout, and every surprise that the World Matchplay continues to deliver.