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 Menzies versus Ross Smith match. While leading 2‑1, Menzies suddenly felt dizzy on stage, later fainting and being escorted back to his hotel after a medical assessment.
The match was halted, and Smith was awarded the win, moving him into the last eight where he will face Price after the Welshman’s dominant performance over Cross. Price’s encounter with Cross started with Cross holding a 3‑2 lead, but Price quickly seized control, stringing together six consecutive legs to push the score to 8‑3.
Although Cross rallied to narrow the gap to 8‑5, Price responded with another three legs in succession, sealing the match with his trademark roar and a final 11‑5 scoreline. After the win, Price told Sky Sports, "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 (Smith) brings that. You are going to see the old me.
As long as the fans accept it, then it will be back." Menzies’ withdrawal was confirmed by the PDC, which explained that he suffered a bout of high blood pressure that caused dizziness and fainting. After being examined by on‑site medical staff, he was cleared to return to his accommodation but was deemed unfit to continue competing. Menzies had arrived at the venue in excellent form, having upset world No.
2 Luke Humphries in the first round – the biggest win of his career to date. His premature exit opened the door for a second‑year‑running quarter‑final clash between Dutch rising star Gian van Veen and veteran James Wade. Van Veen will be eager to avenge his narrow 16‑13 defeat to Wade in the 2025 tournament.
He earned his quarter‑final berth by edging out Wessel Nijman in a thrilling 14‑12 tie‑break. The Dutch showdown between Van Veen and Nijman was a showcase of high‑quality darts; Van Veen took an early 4‑1 lead after the first session, highlighted by a spectacular 135 checkout on the bull. Nijman fought back, hitting four of the next five legs to level the match at 5‑5.
Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports Darts described the contest as edgy and enthralling, noting that both players averaged around 97. Nijman briefly took the lead at 11‑10, but Van Veen responded with an incredible 148 checkout under pressure, tying the match at 11‑11. The decisive 25th leg saw Van Veen break Nijman's throw and, on double 16, clinch the match, denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance. In the final match of the night, James Wade overcame a tough 11‑8 battle against Ryan Searle to claim his 14th quarter‑final spot in his 21st World Matchplay appearance.
The early exchanges were tightly contested, with each break of throw neutralised, leaving the score at 5‑5. Wade then produced a brilliant 121 bullseye checkout and held his 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 eventually sealing the match on double 12. The quarter‑finals will commence on Thursday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Action and Main Event at 7:30 pm.
The draw pits Luke Littler against Josh Rock in a replay of their 2025 semi‑final epic, while Gary Anderson will face Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final slot. Fans can watch the entire tournament on Sky Sports or stream the action through NOW, which offers live darts without a contract.
As the competition progresses, the question remains: who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year? Defending champion Luke Littler will be looking to retain his title, while the field of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers promises a captivating showdown.