The Betfred World Matchplay has kicked off with a bang, delivering an unforgettable night of darts! Underdog Cameron Menzies pulled off a stunning upset, defeating world number two Luke Humphries with a breathtaking 170 checkout. Ross Smith also secured his spot in the last 16 after a hard-fought battle against debutant Kevin Doets, who, despite his loss, made history by recording the highest-ever average for a World Matchplay debut. Get ready for more excitement as the tournament continues with a stacked lineup of second-round clashes!
Menzies’ Masterclass: A Historic Upset
In a truly electrifying encounter at the Winter Gardens, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, participating in only his second World Matchplay, delivered the performance of a lifetime. He faced the formidable world number two, Luke Humphries, and emerged victorious with a sensational 10-7 scoreline.
The match began at a blistering pace, with both players exchanging breaks of throw. The crowd was treated to a spectacle of high-scoring and precise finishing, including a brilliant 129 checkout from Menzies and an equally emphatic 167 reply from Humphries. However, it was Menzies who found another gear, embarking on an incredible run of five consecutive legs to build a commanding 8-3 lead.
Humphries, known for his resilience, mounted a fierce comeback, winning four legs in a row to narrow the gap to 8-7. But Menzies, showing remarkable composure under pressure, first secured a crucial leg with a 98 checkout. Then, to seal his historic victory, he produced the ultimate finish: a magical 170 checkout – often called the ‘big fish’ – sending the Winter Gardens crowd into raptures.
Reflecting on his monumental achievement, Menzies shared his raw emotion:
- “No matter what I do in my life, I will take this to my grave. 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.”
Menzies will now advance to face Ross Smith in the last 16, setting the stage for another thrilling contest.
Smith Overcomes Doets in Gripping Battle
In another captivating first-round match, former European Champion Ross Smith had to dig deep to secure a 10-6 victory over debutant Kevin Doets. Smith’s experience shone through, but Doets proved to be an exceptionally tough opponent.
Smith started like a house on fire, storming into a dominant 5-0 lead. This impressive run included a lightning-fast ten-dart leg and a stunning 160 outshot. However, Doets, making his debut on the big stage, refused to be intimidated. He rallied brilliantly, clawing his way back into the match and reducing Smith’s lead to 6-4.
Just when Doets seemed to be building momentum for a remarkable comeback, Smith regained his composure, winning three consecutive legs to move within one leg of victory. Doets kept the pressure on with a brilliant skin-saving 161 checkout, but Smith ultimately closed out the match with a clinical 120 finish.
A humble Smith praised his opponent:
- “When Kevin came back fighting it was a bit nervy, but all credit to him. 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.”
- He also reflected on his journey: “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’ Record-Breaking Debut
Despite his defeat, Kevin Doets left an indelible mark on the tournament. His incredible 104.19 average was not only a phenomenal performance but also officially the highest-ever recorded average for a debut match at the World Matchplay. A truly remarkable achievement for the young Dutchman.
What’s Next: Blockbuster Second Round Clashes!
Get ready for more high-stakes action as the Betfred World Matchplay moves into the second round. Tuesday evening promises a series of unmissable matches:
- Luke Littler vs. Nathan Aspinall: The reigning champion continues his title defence against a formidable opponent.
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode: A thrilling all-Dutch encounter between two explosive players.
- Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Anderson: A fascinating clash of styles between two fan favourites.
- Stephen Bunting vs. Josh Rock: Two Premier League stars collide in what is sure to be a high-scoring affair.
The stage is set for more darts drama at the iconic Winter Gardens!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
