Gerwyn Price secured his place in the World Matchplay quarter‑finals with a convincing 11‑5 triumph over Rob Cross, a match that was set against the backdrop of Cameron Menzies pulling out of his own contest because of sudden illness at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The evening began with an unsettling incident in the opening game of the session. While trailing Ross Smith 1‑2, Menzies suddenly felt dizzy on stage. The feeling escalated quickly and he eventually fainted, prompting medical staff to escort him off the arena and back to his hotel for a thorough check‑up.
The match was consequently abandoned, allowing Smith to progress to the last eight where he will now face Price, who had just dispatched Cross with authority. Price’s encounter with Cross started evenly, with the Englishman holding a 3‑2 lead.
However, the Welshman soon seized momentum, stringing together six successive legs to surge ahead 8‑3. Cross managed a brief comeback, narrowing the gap to 8‑5, but Price responded with a flurry of three more legs, sealing the victory in style and punctuating his win with his trademark roar that echoed through the venue.
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 moving 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." His comments reflected a mixture of humility and determination, acknowledging the work still required while expressing confidence that his form was improving. Menzies’ withdrawal was confirmed by a statement from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The organization explained that Menzies suffered a spike in blood pressure, which caused dizziness and the subsequent fainting episode. After being examined by the on‑site medical team, he was deemed fit enough to return to his accommodation, but his condition prevented him from continuing in the tournament.
The decision was taken in the interest of his health and safety. Prior to his exit, Menzies had been riding a wave of confidence, having upset world number two Luke Humphries in the first round – a victory that marked the biggest win of his career to date.
His early exit was a disappointment for both him and his supporters, but it underscored the unpredictable nature of live sport, where health can become a decisive factor. In the other half of the draw, Dutch rising star Gian van Veen is set to meet James Wade in the quarter‑finals for the second consecutive year. Van Veen will be looking to avenge his narrow 16‑13 defeat to Wade in the 2025 edition of the tournament. He earned his spot by edging out fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman in a dramatic 14‑12 tie‑break, a match that showcased his composure under pressure.
The van Veen‑Nijman showdown was a showcase of Dutch darting talent. Nijman, who has already collected six Pro Tour titles in 2026, entered the match with the intention of translating 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 fiercely, hitting a series of maximums and capturing four of the next five legs to level the contest at 5‑5. According to Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle, the match lived up to its billing as an edgy, enthralling contest. Both players averaged around 97, with the momentum swinging back and forth.
Nijman once again broke ahead, moving 11‑10 up after a break of throw, but van Veen refused to capitulate. In a pressure‑filled moment, he hit a stunning 148 checkout to bring the score to 11‑11, leaving his opponent needing 64 to win.
The decisive leg arrived in the 25th leg of the match. Van Veen broke Nijman's throw, giving himself the chance to finish on double 16.
He did so cleanly, denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance and cementing his own place in the next round. The final match of the night saw veteran James Wade overcome a resilient Ryan Searle 11‑8, marking Wade’s 14th quarter‑final appearance in his 21st World Matchplay campaign. The early exchanges were tightly contested, with each player holding their throw and the score hovering at 5‑5. Wade then produced a brilliant 121 checkout on the bullseye, followed by a hold of throw to push the lead to 8‑5.
Although Searle managed to claw back a leg, Wade’s composure shone through when he delivered a 143 finish, extending his advantage to 9‑7. Maintaining his steady throw, Wade sealed the match 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 sets up a repeat of the 2025 semi‑final clash between Luke Littler and Josh Rock, while Gary Anderson will take on Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final slot.
Fans can watch the entire tournament on Sky Sports or stream the action via NOW, which offers live darts alongside a range of other top‑level sports. As the competition progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year.
Defending champion Luke Littler will be looking to retain his title, while a field of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers promise a thrilling battle for darts supremacy.