Cameron Menzies issues statement following World Matchplay withdrawal

Cameron Menzies has issued a statement following his withdrawal from the World Matchplay on medical grounds.

Menzies was taken unwell during the early stages of his second round tie against Ross Smith in Blackpool 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.

A PDC statement confirmed Menzies had experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy and subsequently faint.

Following an assessment by the on-site medical team, he was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation.

Menzies took to social media on Thursday to post the following update: ‘Just a quick message to say thank you to everyone for all the messages.

‘Unfortunately, I wasn’t well enough to continue the match. It’s obviously not how I wanted my World Matchplay to end, especially after playing some of the best darts of my career over the last few weeks.

‘I’m grateful to the medical team for looking after me, to Ross for checking on me, and to everyone at the Winter Gardens for their support.

‘A big good luck to Ross for the rest of the tournament. I wish him all the best.

‘Hopefully I’ll be back doing what I love very soon.

‘Thanks again for all your support, it really does mean a lot.’

Smith, who received a walkover into the quarter-finals, posted on X: ‘So glad my good friend Cameron Menzies is OK. Health comes before anything. You will come back stronger than ever. Love ya mate.’