Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Cameron Menzies produced a huge upset to beat 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the World Matchplay on Monday night.
World No. 2 takes center stage against one of the most entertaining and unpredictable players in the game in Humphries Menzies.
And it was Scott who lifted the roof of the Empress Ballroom with an inspired 170 checkout to stun the former world champion and seal his first victory on the Winter Garden stage.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Cameron Menzies lands ‘The Big Fish’ to stun Luke Humphries in World Matchplay
Menzies produced a superb double-double 129 finish to put Humphries 3-2 up, but ‘Cool Hand’ made it six straight breaks in straight par throws after the first break with a brilliant 167 checkout.
Menzies then raced to a 7–3 lead in a four-leg burst but could only win one of the next five legs as Humphries charged.
However, Menzies landed a powerful 170 checkout as he set up a second-round clash with Ross Smith.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Humphries pins this stunning 167 on the bull
“Nobody gave me hope! I didn’t give myself hope but I finally won a game at the Winter Garden,” said a delighted Menzies.
“Luke Humphries is a great guy, a great player. At 7-3 I was just trying not to think about that finish line but the nerves kicked in. To beat Humphries, I know he’ll be disappointed. He put a lot of pressure on me in the doubles but this is my biggest win.
“I show a lot of emotion and I hate that I do it. I’m trying to keep myself intact. Try to keep myself calm because I know he’s going to throw a spell and hit me and he had a little bit of a spell but lucky enough I got that lead.
“I know it’s not Humphries but I’ll take it any day of the week.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Menzies hits this massive double-double finish against Humphries
Mardell: Menzies’ greatest moment – he knows he can handle anything now
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Hear from Menzies and Wayne Mardle after the Scotsman claimed a famous victory over Humphries
“It’s his best ever win, and he’s mentioned it,” said Wayne Mardell, speaking to Sky Sports.
“With Cameron Menzies, everyone talks about his passion, but this was a game he had to win.
“Nothing went according to plan. He broke down twice early, that’s the up-down emotion. The height of the break-down.
“Then he ran, and fell back. A lot happened in that game, but he held it all together beautifully.
“Humphries had an amazing four-leg spell, but then Menzies found a level again and that’s something we don’t see enough of.
“What he should take away from tonight was the way he handled this situation. It felt like he’d been there a million times before.
“He knows he can handle everything now.”
Humphries v Menzies: The Tale of the Tapes
Menzies will face ‘Smudger’ next
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
It was almost a forgettable debut for Kevin Deutz as he came close to tumbling on stage
Ross Smith came through a great fight to reach the second round as he denied debutant Kevin Deutz a 104.19 average – 160 and a match-winning 120.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Doets finished this 161 on the bullseye – just in time to save the match!
The ‘Hawkeye’ saved the match with a stunning 161 checkout but Smith kept the Dutchman at arm’s length.
After going 5-0 out of the gates ‘Smudger’ kept his composure through a mid-session scrap before sealing victory – signing off with a spectacular 120 Shanghai finish.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Smith nailed this awesome 160 checkout on his way to victory
Price won in extra time to set up the cross showdown
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Garwin Price nails the Ton checkout to sink Martin Schindler
Former World Matchplay finalist Garwin Price survived a huge scare against German No. 1 Martin Schindler to book his place in the second round.
‘The Iceman’ before roaring back 4-0 and 6-2 before punishing Schindler for an error in the outer ring to win 11-9.
“It usually doesn’t. I’d be lost today if it wasn’t for the crowd,” Price admitted. “The worst I’ve played all season.
“It goes to show, throwing sheep instead of darts, it doesn’t help! It was tough for me. I don’t have the confidence at the moment because I haven’t played much.
“To fight through it. Martin was as rubbish as I was, thank you.
“I should have lost it, but I won and I’m still in the tournament – I can’t be worse!”
Price will fight Rob Cross after kicking off his campaign with a 10-3 win over ‘Voltage’ Danny Knoppert.
The 2019 champion led 5-0 at the break and never relinquished, averaging 97.41, pinning a 128 checkout and finishing with an impressive 52.6 per cent in doubles.
What’s happening in Tuesday’s World Matchplay?
Luke Littler and Michael Van Gerwen headline the world matchplay action on Tuesday
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will continue at the iconic Winter Garden from 18-26 July, with a 32-player field competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Two-time world champion Luke Littler faces Nathan Aspinall in a blockbuster clash Phil Taylor began his defense of the trophy with a sensational 10-6 win over Nico Springer on day one in Blackpool..
Stephen Bunting took on Josh Rock after winning a Winter Gardens Classic against debutant Nils Jonveld, surviving a three-match dart with a 13-12 win over the Dutchman.
Three-time world matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen faces Dutchman Dirk van Duyvenbode Gary Anderson – 2018 champion – goes up against 2023 runner-up Johnny Clayton Recorded the eighth-highest average in World Matchplay history, averaging 109.96 in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce.
Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more great games now.
