Blackpool: Cameron Menzies stuns Luke Humphries in World Matchplay first round
Menzies secures significant victory
Cameron Menzies delivered a notable upset at the World Matchplay, defeating Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Menzies, appearing in only his second World Matchplay, secured his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with a decisive 170 checkout.
The match saw a series of breaks early on, with Menzies achieving a 129 checkout and Humphries responding with a 167 finish. After seven consecutive breaks of throw, Menzies established a significant 8-3 lead. Despite Humphries taking the next four legs to narrow the gap, Menzies regained his composure, executing a 98 checkout before sealing the victory with a 170 finish.
Following his win, Menzies expressed his delight, stating he did not give himself much hope but was thrilled to finally win a game at the Winter Gardens. He acknowledged Humphries as a great player and described the victory as his biggest in the PDC. Menzies also mentioned the stress he experienced during the match, particularly with doubles, but noted that he held it together.
Wayne Mardle, speaking about the match, highlighted Menzies‘ performance as his best ever win. Mardle noted that despite the emotional ups and downs, including being broken back twice and seeing Humphries go on a run, Menzies managed to maintain his composure. Mardle suggested that Menzies‘ ability to handle the pressure in such a significant game would boost his confidence for future matches.
Other first-round encounters
In other first-round action, Ross Smith advanced to the second round after overcoming Kevin Doets. Smith started strongly, taking a 5-0 lead, which included a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout. Although Doets managed to reduce the deficit, Smith ultimately secured the win with a 120 checkout.
Gerwyn Price also progressed, coming from behind to defeat Martin Schindler 11-9. Price trailed 4-0 and 6-2 before mounting a comeback to lead 9-8. Schindler forced a tie-break with a 121 checkout, but Price immediately broke throw and completed his turnaround with a 100 checkout. Price admitted that his performance was not his best, attributing his win to the crowd’s support and acknowledging that he should have lost the game.
Price will now face Rob Cross in the second round. Cross secured his spot with a convincing 10-3 victory over Danny Noppert, leading 5-0 at the break and maintaining his advantage throughout the match. Cross averaged 97.41 and achieved a 128 checkout, finishing with a 52.6 per cent success rate on doubles.
Upcoming matches
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the Winter Gardens, with the tournament running until July 26. The second round is set to begin, featuring several key matchups.
Defending champion Luke Littler, who opened his title defence with a 10-6 win over Niko Springer, will face Nathan Aspinall. Three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen is scheduled to play fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. Additionally, Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, will compete against 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton, following Anderson‘s impressive 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce, where he recorded an average of 109.96. Stephen Bunting will also take on Josh Rock after a close match against Niels Zonneveld.
Cameron Menzies‘ next opponent will be Ross Smith in the second round.
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Source: skysports.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
