Cameron Menzies produced a magnificent 170 checkout to stun Luke Humphries 10-7 in round one of the Betfred World Matchplay on Monday. Menzies – entering his second World Matchplay tournament – eliminated world number two Humphries with a magical display of finishing, picking up his first win on the Winter Gardens stage in the process.
After a frantic start with seven straight breaks of throw including a wonderful double-double 129 outshot from Menzies and an emphatic 167 reply from Humphries, the Scottish number two won five legs straight to lead 8-3.
Humphries dug deep and took four consecutive legs of his own, but Menzies maintained his composure, taking out 98 before conjuring a magical big fish finish to secure a historic victory.
“No matter what I do in my life, I will take this to my grave,” professed Menzies, who will now take on Ross Smith in the last 16.
“No one gave me hope, I didn’t give myself hope – I’ve finally won a game at the Winter Gardens!
“When it was at 7-3, I was just trying not to think of that finish line.
“To beat someone as amazing as Humphries on this stage… that’s my biggest win in the PDC.”
Smith was forced to defy a fantastic fightback from debutant Kevin Doets to triumph 10-6 in a thrilling match, thereby picking up a third win on the Winter Gardens stage.
The former European Champion burst into a 5-0 lead which included a ten-dart leg and massive 160 outshot, although Doets rallied to reduce the arrears to 6-4.
Smith took three legs straight to go one away from victory, and despite Doets taking out a skin-saving 161 checkout to threaten a remarkable comeback, the Englishman sealed victory with a 120 finish.
“When Kevin came back fighting it was a bit nervy, but all credit to him,” said Smith, who finished the match with a ton-plus average and 56% doubles success rate.
“He’s a really nice lad and what a player. He’s just averaged 104 on his debut at the World Matchplay. I wish I could have done that!
“I started the game really well. I’ve been working on my finishing and it’s been paying off, so long may it continue.”
“I was sat up there [at the Winter Gardens] when I was 14 years old watching darts, so it’s amazing to be here. It’s an absolute privilege.”
Doets’ 104.19 average was the highest-ever recorded in a debut match at the World Matchplay, despite the Dutchman bowing out.
Round two of the Betfred World Matchplay commences with a blockbuster session on Tuesday evening, with reigning champion Luke Littler looking to continue his title defence against Nathan Aspinall, while Michael van Gerwen takes on fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Jonny Clayton faces Gary Anderson in a fascinating tussle, while Premier League stars Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock collide in the final match of the evening.
The Betfred World Matchplay is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, CANAL+ and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2026 Betfred World Matchplay
Monday July 20
Round One x4
Ross Smith 10-6 Kevin Doets
Gerwyn Price 11-9 Martin Schindler
Cameron Menzies 10-7 Luke Humphries
Rob Cross 10-3 Danny Noppert
Tuesday July 21 (1900 BST)
Round Two x4
Jonny Clayton v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock v Stephen Bunting
Best of 21 legs
Wednesday July 22 (1900 BST)
Round Two x4
Cameron Menzies v Ross Smith
Gian van Veen v Wessel Nijman
Gerwyn Price v Rob Cross
James Wade v Ryan Searle
Best of 21 legs
ENDS
Images: Taylor Lanning / PDC
