Image: Taylor Lanning/PDC
Menzies Withdraws After Collapsing On Stage During Second Round Clash With Ross Smith
Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday evening after becoming unwell on stage during his second round match against Ross Smith (15) at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The Scottish thrower — who had produced one of the tournament's greatest first round upsets by beating world number two Luke Humphries 10-7 just days earlier — collapsed in the fourth leg of the match while leading 2-1.
What Happened on Stage
As Menzies stepped up to the oche for the fourth leg of the evening session match, he doubled over in clear discomfort and became unsteady on his feet. His opponent Ross Smith and match officials immediately moved to support him as he was unable to stand independently.
Smith helped prevent Menzies from falling before medical staff from St John Ambulance assessed him on stage. The match was halted and Menzies was taken backstage for further medical attention. The Winter Gardens crowd fell silent as the situation unfolded, before applauding Menzies as he was helped off stage.
PDC Confirms High Blood Pressure Caused Collapse
The PDC released a statement confirming the cause of the incident:
"Cameron experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy and subsequently faint. Following an assessment by the on-site medical team, Cameron was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation."
The match did not resume, and Ross Smith was awarded the victory by walkover, progressing to the quarter-finals.
Menzies Breaks Silence: "I'm Okay"
Following the incident, Menzies took to social media to reassure fans:
"Thanks to everyone who's checked in and sent messages. I'm okay."
Menzies has previously spoken publicly about ongoing health challenges. In an interview with Tungsten Tales, he revealed: "I've got an issue with my heart and high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat." He also disclosed that he had lost three stone in weight — dropping from 21 to 18 stone — on medical advice, and had undergone hypnotherapy treatment to help manage his conditions.
A Matchplay to Remember Despite the Ending
Despite the distressing ending, Menzies can look back on an extraordinary World Matchplay 2026 campaign. His first round victory over Luke Humphries — the 2024 World Matchplay champion and world number two — was one of the results of the tournament. Menzies produced a 170 checkout in that match and called the victory "the biggest moment of my darts career."
The 31-year-old from Arbroath has been one of the breakthrough stories of the 2026 PDC season and will no doubt be back on the big stage before long. The entire darts community is wishing him a swift and full recovery.
What Happens Next in the World Matchplay?
Ross Smith advances to face Gerwyn Price (7) in the quarter-finals. Price defeated Rob Cross 11-5 in Wednesday's afternoon session, winning six consecutive legs to take a commanding 8-3 lead. Read our guide: What darts does Gerwyn Price throw?
The confirmed quarter-final line-up:
| Quarter-Final | Match | Date |
|---|---|---|
| QF1 | Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Gary Anderson (12) | Thursday 24 July |
| QF2 | Luke Littler (1) vs Josh Rock (8) | Thursday 24 July |
| QF3 | Ross Smith (15) vs Gerwyn Price (7) | Friday 25 July |
| QF4 | Gian van Veen (3) vs James Wade (6) | Friday 25 July |
Quarter-finals are played over best of 31 legs (first to 16). Semi-finals take place on Saturday 26 July, with the final on Sunday 27 July. All sessions are live on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event.
Read our full coverage: Day 1 results | First round wrap-up | Round 2 Day 1: Littler's nine-darter | Full draw, schedule & how to watch
Shop World Matchplay Players
Get kitted out with official darts, flights, shirts and accessories from the stars of Blackpool:
- Luke Littler Shop — Darts, flights & accessories
- Gerwyn Price Shop — Darts & gear
- Gary Anderson Shop — Darts & gear
- Josh Rock Shop — Darts & accessories
- Luke Humphries Shop — Darts & gear
- Rob Cross Shop
- Browse All Players
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Cameron Menzies withdraw from the World Matchplay?
Menzies withdrew during the fourth leg of his second round match against Ross Smith on Wednesday 22 July 2026 after experiencing high blood pressure, which caused dizziness and fainting. He collapsed on stage and was helped off by his opponent and medical staff.
Is Cameron Menzies okay after his World Matchplay collapse?
Yes. The PDC confirmed that Menzies was assessed by the on-site medical team and deemed well enough to return to his accommodation. Menzies later posted on social media saying "I'm okay" and thanking fans for their messages of support.
Does Cameron Menzies have a pre-existing health condition?
Menzies has previously spoken publicly about living with high blood pressure, an ectopic heartbeat, and a heart condition. He has lost three stone in weight on medical advice and has undergone hypnotherapy treatment to help manage these conditions.
What was the score when Menzies withdrew?
Menzies was leading 2-1 in the fourth leg of his second round match against Ross Smith. Smith was awarded victory by walkover and progressed to the quarter-finals.
Who did Cameron Menzies beat in the first round?
Menzies produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Matchplay by defeating world number two and 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round, including a 170 checkout.
