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 the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The evening began with a dramatic incident in the match between Menzies and Ross Smith. While Smith led 2‑1, Menzies suddenly felt dizzy on stage, later collapsing and having to be escorted back to his hotel after a medical assessment. The officials abandoned the contest, allowing Smith to progress to the last eight, where he will now face Price after the Welshman’s dominant win over Cross.
The Price‑Cross showdown started with Cross taking an early 3‑2 lead, but Price quickly turned the tide. He rattled off six consecutive legs, pushing the score to 8‑3 in his favour. Although Cross rallied to narrow the gap to 8‑5, Price responded with another three‑leg streak, sealing the match and celebrating with his trademark roar. In post‑match comments to Sky Sports, Price admitted, "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 am moving in the right direction.
I need that energy, I need that buzz, and Ross brings that. You are going to see the old me. As long as the fans accept it, it will be back." Menzies' withdrawal was confirmed by the PDC, which explained that he suffered a spike in blood pressure that caused dizziness and fainting. After being examined by the on‑site medical team, he was cleared to return to his accommodation but remained too unwell to continue his match.
The Scottish player 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. Meanwhile, Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen prepared for his quarter‑final clash with James Wade, a repeat of the previous year’s encounter. Van Veen was eager to avenge his 16‑13 loss in 2025 after a thrilling 14‑12 tie‑break victory over fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman secured his spot in the last eight.
Nijman, who has amassed six Pro Tour titles in 2026, entered the match riding a wave of confidence, but Van Veen proved too strong. He opened the first session with two breaks of throw, including a spectacular 135 checkout on the bull, and led 4‑1. Nijman fought back, hitting high scores and taking four of the next five legs to level the match 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 briefly seized the lead at 11‑10, but Van Veen responded with an astonishing 148 checkout under immense pressure, bringing the score to 11‑11. The decisive 25th leg saw Van Veen break Nijman's throw and, on a double 16, clinch the match, denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance. In the final match of the night, veteran James Wade overcame a tough 11‑8 battle against Ryan Searle, marking his 14th quarter‑final appearance in his 21st World Matchplay campaign.
The opening exchanges were tightly contested, each break of throw being immediately answered, leaving the score dead‑locked at 5‑5. Wade eventually took control with a brilliant 121 checkout on the bullseye, followed by a hold of throw to move ahead 8‑5. Although Searle managed a break back, Wade delivered a clutch 143 finish, extending his lead to 9‑7 and then 12‑9, before sealing his place on a double 12. The quarter‑finals are set to commence on Thursday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Action and Main Event at 7:30 pm.
The draw features a replay of the 2025 semi‑final epic between Luke Littler and Josh Rock, while Gary Anderson will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final slot. Fans can watch the entire tournament on Sky Sports or stream via NOW, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience.
Overall, the night highlighted the unpredictable nature of darts: a medical emergency reshaped one bracket, while seasoned champions and rising stars battled fiercely for progression. Price’s victory, despite his own self‑critique, demonstrates his resilience and determination to improve. Van Veen’s triumph over Nijman underscores his growing stature in the sport, and Wade’s steady performance reaffirms his status as a perennial contender.
As the competition moves into its knockout phase, the remaining participants will need to combine precision, mental fortitude, and the ability to seize momentum at crucial moments if they hope to lift the World Matchplay trophy.