Menzies secures significant victory
Cameron Menzies delivered a notable upset at the World Matchplay on Monday night, defeating Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round. The match, held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, saw Menzies secure his first victory on that stage. Humphries, the 2024 champion and World No 2, faced Menzies, who is known for his entertaining and unpredictable style of play.
Menzies sealed his win with an inspired 170 checkout, causing a significant shock to the former world champion. This victory marks Menzies’ biggest win in the PDC and sets up a second-round clash against Ross Smith.
The contest began with seven straight breaks of throw. Menzies initially took a 3-2 lead with a double-double 129 finish. Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand’, responded by levelling the score immediately after the first interval with a magnificent 167 checkout, marking six consecutive breaks of throw.
Menzies then surged ahead, winning four consecutive legs to establish a 7-3 lead. Despite Humphries attempting a comeback by winning four of the next five legs, Menzies maintained his composure. He landed a 98 checkout before ultimately securing the match with his sensational 170 finish.
Following his win, Menzies expressed his delight, 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 nervous when nearing the finishing line at 7-3. Menzies also noted that Humphries had put him under stress with his doubles, but he would take the win.
Wayne Mardle described Menzies’ performance as his best ever win. Mardle highlighted Menzies’ ability to handle the pressure throughout the game, despite various emotional swings. He noted that Menzies was broken back early twice and experienced a run of legs followed by Humphries’ comeback, but he held it together beautifully.
Mardle further commented that Menzies found his level again after Humphries had an amazing spell of four legs. He suggested that Menzies should take away from the night the way he handled the situation, implying he now knows he can handle anything.
Other first-round results
In other first-round action, Ross Smith advanced after defeating debutant Kevin Doets. Smith, a former European champion, produced a strong performance, including a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout, to take an early 5-0 lead. Doets managed to reduce the deficit to 6-4, and later produced a 161 finish, but Smith ultimately sealed his victory with a 120 Shanghai finish.
Gerwyn Price also secured his spot in the second round after a challenging match against Martin Schindler. Price, a former World Matchplay finalist, trailed 4-0 and 6-2 before mounting a comeback. He eventually led 9-8, but Schindler forced a tie-break with a 121 checkout. Price then broke throw and completed the turnaround with a 100 checkout, winning 11-9.
Price admitted that he played his worst game of the season and credited the crowd for his survival. He will now face Rob Cross in the second round. Cross, the 2019 champion, had a convincing 10-3 win over Danny Noppert, leading 5-0 at the break and maintaining an average of 97.41, with a 128 checkout and a 52.6 per cent success rate on doubles.
Upcoming matches and tournament details
The World Matchplay tournament continues at the Winter Gardens until July 26, featuring a 32-player field competing for the Phil Taylor Trophy. The second round is set to begin on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s schedule includes several significant matchups. Defending champion Luke Littler, a two-time world champion, will play against Nathan Aspinall. Littler opened his title defence with a 10-6 win over Niko Springer on Day One. Additionally, Stephen Bunting will face Josh Rock after Bunting survived three match darts to defeat debutant Niels Zonneveld 13-12.
Other notable matches on Tuesday include three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen against fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, will compete against 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton. Anderson recorded the eighth-highest average in World Matchplay history, averaging 109.96 in his 10-2 victory over Ryan Joyce.
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Source: skysports.com
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
