Cameron Menzies pulled off a sensational upset on Monday night at the World Matchplay, overcoming the 2024 champion and world No. 2 Luke Humphries with a 10‑7 victory. The match, staged in the historic Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens, quickly turned into a showcase of darts brilliance, dramatic swings, and high‑pressure finishes that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
From the opening leg, the Scottish qualifier demonstrated why he is considered one of the most entertaining and unpredictable talents on the circuit. He opened the scoring with a flawless double‑double 129 finish, taking a 3‑2 lead over Humphries.
The Englishman, nicknamed "Cool Hand," responded with a flurry of six consecutive breaks of throw, highlighted by a dazzling 167 checkout that leveled the match immediately after the first interval. This early exchange set the tone for a contest that would see both players trade dominance in rapid succession. Menzies then unleashed a blistering run of four legs, propelling him to a commanding 7‑3 advantage. However, Humphries, refusing to concede, mounted a spirited comeback, capturing one leg out of the next five before the Scottish player steadied the ship.
The turning point arrived when Menzies delivered an inspired 170 checkout – the highest possible finish in darts – a moment that stunned the former world champion and electrified the crowd. This spectacular finish not only sealed the win for Menzies but also guaranteed him a place in the second round against fellow Scot Ross Smith. Reflecting on his triumph, a elated Menzies admitted that he had not allowed himself much hope entering the match.
"No one gave me hope! I didn't give myself hope but I finally won a game at the Winter Gardens," he said, his excitement palpable. He praised Humphries as a "great guy, a great player," and confessed that nerves had crept in when he reached a 7‑3 lead. "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," Menzies explained. Menzies also spoke candidly about his emotional nature on stage.
"I show a lot of emotion and I hate that I do that. I'm trying to keep myself intact, try to keep myself composed because I know he was going to have a spell and batter me and 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, underscoring the mental resilience required to survive the pressure of a high‑profile encounter. Veteran commentator Wayne Mardle weighed in on the match for Sky Sports, describing it as "his best ever win." He highlighted Menzies' emotional roller‑coaster, noting how the Scottish player was broken back early twice, only to rally with a series of high‑scoring legs.
"Nothing went according to plan. 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," Mardle observed. He praised Humphries for his own spell of four consecutive legs, but emphasized that Menzies' ability to find his level again was a rarity in elite darts. The night also featured other notable performances.
Ross Smith survived a tense battle against debutant Kevin Doets, who posted an impressive 104.19 average and hit a 160 finish and a match‑winning 120. Smith ultimately prevailed, thanks in part to a crucial 161 checkout that saved the match, and sealed his victory with a spectacular 120 Shanghai finish after taking a 5‑0 lead and maintaining composure through a mid‑session scramble.
In another dramatic encounter, former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price escaped a near‑disaster against Germany's top player Martin Schindler. After trailing 4‑0 and later 6‑2, Price rallied to win 11‑9, attributing his survival to the energy of the crowd.
"It doesn't usually happen. Without the crowd, I would have lost today," he admitted, adding that the match was the worst he had played all season. He humorously noted that "throwing sheep about instead of darts about" does not help, and expressed a temporary dip in confidence due to limited recent play.
Price's next opponent will be Rob Cross, following a dominant 10‑3 win by "Voltage" over Danny Noppert. Cross entered the match with a 97.41 average, a 128 checkout, and a 52.6 % success rate on doubles, showcasing his clinical finishing. Looking ahead, 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 facing Nathan Aspinall after a solid 10‑6 opening‑day win over Niko Springer, and Stephen Bunting battling Josh Rock after surviving three match darts to edge past Niels Zonneveld 13‑12.
Veteran Michael van Gerwen will square off against fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, while 2018 champion Gary Anderson meets 2023 runner‑up Jonny Clayton after Anderson recorded the eighth‑highest average in World Matchplay history, posting a 109.96 average in a 10‑2 demolition of Ryan Joyce. Fans can follow all the action on Sky Sports, stream darts via NOW, and stay updated through Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis. The tournament promises further upsets, high‑checkouts, and moments of drama as the remaining competitors battle for one of darts' most prestigious titles.