Cameron Menzies delivered a spectacular surprise at the World Matchplay on Monday evening, overturning the odds to beat the 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7. The encounter pitted the world No.2, Humphries, against one of darts’ most charismatic and unpredictable talents – the Scottish player Menzies – and the result will be remembered as a classic upset.
From the first throw, Menzies showed he was not intimidated. He opened the match with a dazzling double‑double 129 finish, putting him ahead 3-2. Humphries, however, responded with a run of six consecutive breaks of throw, highlighted by a magnificent 167 checkout that leveled the scores immediately after the first interval.
The back‑and‑forth exchange set the tone for a high‑octane contest. Menzies then unleashed a blistering four‑leg streak that catapulted him to a 7-3 lead. Though he managed only one leg in the next five, Humphries fought back fiercely, narrowing the gap and threatening to turn the tide.
The turning point arrived when Menzies, under intense pressure, produced an inspired 170 checkout – the highest possible finish in darts – which stunned the former world champion and secured his first victory on the historic Winter Gardens stage. After the match, a elated Menzies reflected on his achievement: "No one gave me hope. I didn’t give myself hope, but finally I won a game at the Winter Gardens.
It feels amazing." He acknowledged the challenge of facing Humphries, noting the nerves that crept in at a crucial moment: "At 7-3 I was trying not to think about the finishing line, but the nerves kicked in. To beat Humphries, I know he will be disappointed. He gave me a lot of pressure at doubles, but that’s my biggest win." Menzies also admitted to his own emotional nature on stage, saying, "I show a lot of emotion and I hate that I do. I’m trying 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." Veteran commentator Wayne Mardle praised the victory, calling it Humphries’ "best ever win" and highlighting Menzies’ resilience: "Everyone mentions his emotions, but it’s the way he had to win that game. 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, got pegged back, and there was a lot happening in that game, but he held it all together beautifully.
Humphries had an amazing spell of four legs, but then Menzies found a level again, and that’s something we don’t see enough. What he should take away from tonight is the way he handled the situation. It was like he had been there a million times before. He knows he can handle anything now." The win propels Menzies into a second‑round clash with Ross Smith, who earned his place after a gritty performance against debutant Kevin Doets.
Smith survived a 104.19 average from Doets, hitting a 160 and a decisive 120 checkout to clinch the match. In another highlight, "Hawkeye" saved his own match with a stunning 161 finish before Smith edged the Dutchman with a 120 Shanghai finish after building a 5-0 lead and weathering a mid‑session scramble. Former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price also endured drama, surviving a scare against Germany’s top player Martin Schindler.
Price trailed 4-0 and later 6-2, but rallied to win 11-9, attributing his comeback to the crowd’s energy: "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 doesn’t help! It was a tough one for me. 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" opened his campaign with a convincing 10-3 win over Danny Noppert, averaging 97.41, delivering a 128 checkout and finishing with a 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’s showdown with Nathan Aspinall after a 10-6 opening‑day victory over Niko Springer, and Stephen Bunting’s narrow 13-12 win over debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts. Michael van Gerwen will face fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, while 2018 champion Gary Anderson meets 2023 runner‑up Jonny Clayton after recording an 109.96 average in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce – the eighth‑highest average in World Matchplay history. Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports, stream the matches via NOW, and stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and analysis. The tournament promises more drama, high‑scoring finishes, and the chance for emerging talents to challenge established stars as they compete for one of darts’ most prestigious titles.