World Matchplay Darts: Health Scare, Stunning Upsets, and High-Stakes Quarter-Finals!
The World Matchplay Darts tournament in Blackpool delivered a night of unparalleled drama, featuring a shock health-related withdrawal, a nail-biting sudden-death victory, and dominant performances by top contenders. Cameron Menzies was forced to retire early due to high blood pressure, while Gian van Veen triumphed in an extended battle against Wessel Nijman. Gerwyn Price and James Wade secured their spots with commanding wins, setting the stage for an electrifying set of quarter-final clashes scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026.
A Shocking Start: Menzies Forced to Withdraw
Wednesday evening’s second round at the World Matchplay began with an unexpected and alarming incident. After just three legs of play, Scottish darting talent Cameron Menzies was unable to continue his Last 16 match against Ross Smith due to health concerns. Menzies, who had won two consecutive legs to lead 2-1 after an 11-dart start from Smith, suddenly paused before throwing in the fourth leg. He consulted with caller Charlie Corstorphine, then had to be assisted off the stage by his opponent, Ross Smith, for immediate medical attention backstage.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) later confirmed that Menzies could not continue, automatically advancing Ross Smith to the quarter-finals. The cause was identified as high blood pressure leading to dizziness and feelings of faintness. Thankfully, good news followed: Menzies’ condition has since improved, and he was able to return to his accommodation. He later reassured fans on his Facebook page, stating, “Thanks to everyone who has reached out and sent messages. I’m doing well.” We wish “Cammy” a swift and full recovery!
Epic Battles and Dominant Displays
Van Veen Edges Nijman in a Thriller
In a gripping all-Dutch encounter, Gian van Veen emerged victorious over Wessel Nijman with a 14-12 scoreline in a sudden-death extension. Van Veen started strong, breaking throw with a 135 finish and building a 4-1 lead. Nijman battled back, including an 11-darter, to level the score at 5-5. Van Veen then pulled ahead again, establishing a two-leg advantage that held until 9-7. However, Nijman launched a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive legs to take a 10-9 lead. Van Veen halted the run, hitting Double 8 to force an extension at 10-10.
The tension escalated in the extra legs. Nijman took a 12-11 lead, but Van Veen responded under pressure with a stunning 148 checkout while Nijman waited on 64. After Nijman took out 107 for 12-11, Van Veen held his throw to make it 12-12. A crucial 81 finish in 12 darts gave Van Veen the chance to throw for the match. Nijman then missed a 125 checkout on the bullseye, allowing Van Veen to seal his victory in 17 darts, advancing to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year.
Price Powers Past Cross
After a shaky start to the tournament, Gerwyn Price demonstrated significant improvement, securing an 11-5 win against Rob Cross. Price immediately broke Cross twice at the start, then produced the first highlight with a magnificent 161 checkout. While Cross managed to hold his throw with a 94 finish, the first TV break seemed to disrupt his rhythm. Price then went on a dominant run, winning six consecutive legs in 16, 18, 15, 17, 14, and 18 darts, extending his lead significantly. Cross eventually broke the streak with a 14-darter, but Price quickly regained control, closing out the match in 11 and 13 darts to book his quarter-final spot.
Wade’s Clinical Performance Against Searle
The final Last 16 match of the night saw James Wade defeat Ryan Searle 11-8 in a strategic encounter. “The Machine” showed excellent timing, securing crucial breaks throughout the match. Wade took an early break in the second leg but couldn’t consolidate. The game saw a “break-fest” until Wade led 3-2. Searle responded with a 121 checkout, and the match remained tight at 4-4. Both players exchanged 15-darters, leaving the score all square at the final break.
Wade then found another gear, starting with a 14-darter and following up with a spectacular 121 finish on the bullseye to establish a two-leg lead. Though Searle managed a break back with a Double 10, Wade immediately countered with a huge 143 checkout to make it 9-7. After holding his throw for 10-7, Wade only needed one more leg. Searle briefly delayed the inevitable, but Wade sealed the 11-8 victory in 19 darts.
Looking Ahead: The Quarter-Final Line-Up (Thursday, July 23, 2026)
The World Matchplay 2026 continues with two thrilling quarter-final matches:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Gary Anderson
- Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock
These matches are scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM CEST.
Understanding the World Matchplay Tournament
The World Matchplay is one of the most prestigious tournaments in darts, second only to the PDC World Championship in terms of ranking points and prize money.
Tournament Format Explained:
- Early Rounds: Matches are “Best of 19 Legs” (First Round) and “Best of 21 Legs” (Last 16).
- Later Stages: Quarter-finals are “Best of 31 Legs,” Semi-finals “Best of 33 Legs,” and the Final “Best of 35 Legs.”
- Win by Two Rule: A crucial aspect is that a player must win by a margin of two legs.
- Extension Limit: Since 2014, if a match reaches a tie, it can be extended by a maximum of five legs. For example, in a “Best of 21” match, if it reaches 10-10, players continue until one leads by two legs, up to a maximum score of 15-14. If it reaches 14-14, the next leg is a sudden-death decider.
Prize Money Breakdown:
The World Matchplay boasts a substantial prize fund, totalling £1,000,000. Here’s how it’s distributed:
- Winner: £225,000
- Runner-Up: £125,000
- Semi-Finalists: £65,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
- Last 16: £22,500
- First Round: £12,500
This makes it the tournament with the highest prize money in darts after the PDC World Championship, highlighting its importance in the professional circuit.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
