Cameron Menzies Stuns Luke Humphries in World Matchplay Shock as Gerwyn Price Escapes Early Exit

The 2026 World Matchplay Darts delivered its biggest surprise yet on Monday night as Cameron Menzies produced a sensational performance to eliminate former champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the opening round at Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens.

Facing the 2024 World Matchplay champion and world No. 2, Menzies entered the match as the clear underdog. However, the Scottish thrower rose to the occasion with one of the finest performances of his career, sealing victory in spectacular fashion with a brilliant 170 checkout that brought the Empress Ballroom crowd to its feet.

The contest was packed with momentum swings from start to finish. Menzies first showcased his finishing ability with a classy 129 checkout before Humphries responded immediately with a stunning 167 finish to keep the match level. The Scot then produced an impressive four-leg burst to open up a commanding 7-3 advantage, putting the tournament favorite under immense pressure.

Humphries refused to surrender without a fight, winning four of the next five legs to reduce the deficit and threaten another remarkable comeback. But just as the former world champion appeared ready to seize control, Menzies delivered the defining moment of the night—a flawless 170 finish—to secure the biggest victory of his professional career and book his place in the second round against Ross Smith.

After the match, an emotional Menzies admitted that few people believed he could pull off the upset. He praised Humphries as one of the best players in the sport and described the victory as the greatest moment of his career. Pundits also highlighted his improved composure under pressure, a quality that has often been questioned throughout his career, with Wayne Mardle calling it "his best-ever win."

Elsewhere in Blackpool, Gerwyn Price narrowly avoided an early exit after battling back from 6-2 down to defeat Germany's Martin Schindler 11-9 in a dramatic deciding-leg contest. The Welshman admitted it was his poorest display of the season but thanked the crowd for helping him stay alive in the tournament. Price will now face 2019 champion Rob Cross, who comfortably dispatched Danny Noppert 10-3.

Ross Smith also advanced after surviving a thrilling battle against Dutch debutant Kevin Doets, while Tuesday's schedule promises another blockbuster evening featuring reigning champion Luke Littler against Nathan Aspinall, Michael van Gerwen facing Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Gary Anderson taking on Jonny Clayton.