Gerwyn Price secured his place in the World Matchplay quarter‑finals with a decisive 11‑5 victory over Rob Cross at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, after Cameron Menzies was forced to pull out of his match because of sudden illness. The evening began with Menzies facing Ross Smith.
While leading 2‑1, the Scottish player suddenly felt dizzy on stage, later fainting and having to be taken off the arena. Medical staff examined him and cleared him to return to his hotel, but he was still too unwell to continue.
Consequently, the match was abandoned and Smith progressed to the last eight, where he will now meet the in‑form Price. Price’s encounter with Cross started with Cross holding a narrow 3‑2 lead. The Welshman then seized momentum, stringing together six consecutive legs to surge ahead 8‑3.
Although Cross rallied to narrow the gap to 8‑5, Price responded with three more flawless legs, sealing the win and celebrating with his trademark roar. Speaking to Sky Sports, Price admitted the contest had been a struggle.
"I felt like I was battling all the way through," he said. "My scoring was erratic, up and down. If I want to win this tournament I need to be far better, but I’m moving in the right direction.
I need that energy, that buzz, and Ross (Smith) provides that. You’ll see the old me again – as long as the fans accept it, I’ll be back." Smith’s advancement came after Menzies’ abrupt exit. The 31‑year‑old was taken off the stage immediately after doubling over and appearing unsteady.
He received on‑site medical attention and was deemed fit to return to his accommodation, but his condition prevented him from resuming play. The Professional Darts Corporation later released a statement confirming that Menzies suffered a spike in blood pressure, which caused dizziness and fainting, and that he was cleared to go home after assessment. Menzies had arrived in strong form, having upset world No.
2 Luke Humphries in the first round – the biggest win of his career to date. His withdrawal was a disappointment for both fans and the player himself. In another quarter‑final slot, Dutch rising star Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year.
Van Veen is looking for redemption after a 16‑13 defeat to Wade in 2025. He earned his place by edging out Wessel Nijman in a dramatic 14‑12 tie‑break, after a hard‑fought battle that showcased his composure under pressure. Nijman entered the match riding a wave of confidence, having captured six Pro Tour titles in 2026 and hoping to translate his floor success to the big stage.
Van Veen, however, asserted dominance early, breaking Nijman's throw twice and hitting a 135 checkout on the bull to lead 4‑1 after the first session. Nijman fought back, hitting several maximums and taking four of the next five legs to level the score at 5‑5. Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports Darts described the contest as edgy and enthralling, noting that both players averaged around 97.
Nijman seized another break of throw to go ahead 11‑10, but Van Veen responded with an astonishing 148 checkout under intense pressure, tying the match at 11‑11 while Nijman awaited a 64 finish. The decisive moment arrived in the 25th leg. Van Veen broke Nijman's throw once more and, on a double 16, clinched the match, denying Nijman his first major quarter‑final appearance.
The night’s final match saw James Wade overcome Ryan Searle 11‑8, marking Wade’s 14th quarter‑final qualification in his 21st World Matchplay appearance. The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with each break of throw quickly answered. The score stood at 5‑5 before Wade produced a spectacular 121 bullseye checkout, followed by a hold of throw to move ahead 8‑5.
Searle managed to break back, but Wade delivered a clutch 143 finish to re‑establish control. With a 9‑7 lead, the veteran "Machine" held his nerve, securing his spot on double 12. Quarter‑final action will commence on Thursday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Action and Main Event at 7:30 pm. The semi‑final lineup includes a repeat of the 2025 epic: Luke Littler will face Josh Rock for a place in the final four, while Gary Anderson meets Dirk van Duijvenbode for the other semi‑final berth.
Fans can watch the entire tournament, including the defending champion Luke Littler’s title defence, on Sky Sports or stream the action via NOW. The World Matchplay continues to deliver high‑stakes drama, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging talents as they vie for one of darts' most prestigious trophies.