Menzies achieves career-best win
Cameron Menzies delivered a significant upset at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, defeating 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round on Monday night. Menzies secured his first victory on the Winter Gardens stage with an inspired 170 checkout, stunning the former world champion. This win marks a momentous occasion for Menzies, who expressed his delight at finally winning a game at the Winter Gardens.
The match saw Menzies, appearing in only his second World Matchplay, produce a strong finishing display. The Scot initially took a 3-2 lead over Humphries with a double-double 129 finish. However, Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand’, responded by achieving six consecutive breaks of throw, levelling the score after the first interval with a magnificent 167 checkout.
Menzies then embarked on a four-leg run, establishing a 7-3 advantage. Despite Humphries’ subsequent charge, winning four of the next five legs, Menzies maintained his composure. He secured the victory with a sensational 170 finish, which he described as his biggest win in the PDC. Menzies will now advance to face Ross Smith in the second round of the competition.
Key moments and reactions
The contest was marked by several breaks of throw early on, including Menzies’ 129 checkout and Humphries’ 167 finish. After Menzies built his substantial lead, Humphries responded by taking four consecutive legs, narrowing the deficit. Menzies then restored his composure with a 98 checkout before sealing his triumph with the decisive 170 finish.
Following his victory, Menzies shared his feelings, stating, “No one gave me hope! I didn’t give myself hope but I finally won a game at the Winter Gardens.” He acknowledged Humphries as a great player and admitted to feeling the nerves when he was leading 7-3. Menzies also noted that Humphries would be disappointed but highlighted the significance of the win for his own career, calling it his biggest.
Darts analyst Wayne Mardle commented on Menzies’ performance, describing it as his best ever win. Mardle highlighted Menzies’ ability to handle the pressure and emotional swings during the game, particularly after being broken back twice and seeing Humphries stage a comeback. Mardle suggested that Menzies’ composure under such circumstances demonstrates his growth as a player, stating, “He knows he can handle anything now.”
Other first-round results
In other first-round matches, Ross Smith secured his place in the second round by overcoming Kevin Doets. Smith took an early 5-0 lead, which included a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout. Although Doets fought back, reducing the deficit, Smith ultimately sealed his victory with a 120 Shanghai finish, setting up his clash with Menzies.
Former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price also advanced, surviving a significant challenge from Martin Schindler. Price trailed 4-0 and 6-2 before mounting a comeback to win 11-9. Price admitted that he played poorly but credited the crowd for helping him through. He will face Rob Cross in the second round, who secured a convincing 10-3 win over Danny Noppert, averaging 97.41 and achieving a 128 checkout.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens until July 26. Tuesday’s schedule includes defending champion Luke Littler against Nathan Aspinall, Michael van Gerwen facing Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jonny Clayton meeting Gary Anderson, and Stephen Bunting playing Josh Rock.
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Source: skysports.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
