Cameron Menzies withdraws from the World Matchplay after being taken unwell on stage

Cameron Menzies has withdrawn from the 2026 World Matchplay after falling ill during his second round tie against Ross Smith on Wednesday.

With Smith leading 2-1, Menzies stepped away from the oche at the start of the fourth leg and was guided off stage by Smith and scoring official Scott Gibling.

It was confirmed a short time later that Menzies would not be returning to the stage and had forfeited the match on medical advice.

Addressing the crowd at the Winter Gardens, MC Lewis Jones said: “After receiving attention and advice from medical professionals, Cameron Menzies is unable to continue the match and we will be going ahead with our second match in around 20 minute’s time. Apologies and thank you.”

Smith now receives a bye through to the quarter-finals, where he will face either 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price or 2019 champion Rob Cross.

Sky Sports’ presenter Emma Paton later confirmed Menzies had been tended to by St John’s Ambulance staff backstage and had been cleared, but would play no further part in the tournament.

The Scotsman had enjoyed the best result of his career to date just 48 hours earlier when he defeated 2024 champion Luke Humphries with the aid of a magical 170 checkout.

A PDC statement read: ‘Cameron Menzies was taken ill during his round two match against Ross Smith at the Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday evening.

‘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.

‘We wish Cameron all the best and look forward to seeing him back in action soon.’