World Matchplay Darts: Gerwyn Price, Gian van Veen, James Wade through to quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdraws through illness
Gerwyn Price, James Wade, and Gian van Veen all won their contests to make it into the last eight; Cameron Menzies fell ill during the fourth leg of his match with Ross Smith; you can watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports in Blackpool until July 26
Wednesday 22 July 2026 23:24, UK
Gerwyn Price booked his spot in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay with a comprehensive 11-5 win over Rob Cross after Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw through illness at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
In the night's opening match Menzies became dizzy on stage while 2-1 up against Ross Smith, and later fainted before returning to his accommodation having been checked over by medical staff.
That contest was abandoned with Smith advancing to the last eight, where he will meet Price following the Iceman's emphatic win over Cross.
- World Matchplay Darts Day Five: As it happened!
- Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results 📅
- Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱
- Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺
Price promises 'the old me' in quarter-finals
With the game primed at 3-2 in Cross' favour, Price took control with six legs in a row to move 8-3 in front.
While Cross did manage a momentary rally to bring the contest to 8-5, the Welshman then hit back again.
Price reeled off the three legs he needed, taking the match on tops with his signature roar coming out.
"I felt like I was struggling all through the game," Price told Sky Sports.
"I couldn't find my scoring game it was up and down.
"If I want to win this tournament I need to be a lot better than that but I am going in the right direction.
"I need that energy, I need that buzz, and Ross (Smith) brings that.
"You are going to see the old me. As long as these (the fans) accept it, then it will be back."
Smith through after Menzies becomes unwell
Smith advanced following Menzies' withdrawal. The Scot was taken immediately off the stage after doubling over and appearing unsteady on his feet. He received medical attention and he was cleared. However, he was too unwell to continue.
In a statement released by the PDC, they said: "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."
Menzies had come into the match in brilliant form after beating world No 2 Luke Humphries in the first round in what was the biggest win of his career.
Van Veen wins tie-break thriller against Nijman to book Wade rematch
For a second year in a row, Gian van Veen will take on James Wade in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay.
Van Veen will be looking to avenge his 16-13 loss in 2025 after he won a sensational 14-12 tie-break contest against Wessel Nijman to make it through to the last eight.
In a battle of two Dutch darting superstars, Nijman was facing a new test as he continued his quest to try and turn his floor form, with which he has won six Pro Tour titles in 2026, into big-stage moments.
However, up against world No 3 Van Veen, it was clear it was going to be a battle for him when 'The Giant' found two breaks of throw, including a 135 checkout on the bull, to move 4-1 ahead after the first session.
Nijman then did get well into the battle as he started to hit maximums with ease, taking four of the next five legs to level the contest at 5-5.
Sky Sports Darts' Wayne Mardle said he was expecting an edgy but enthralling contest and that is what ensued, Van Veen nudging ahead before Nijman would pull the game back as they both averaged around the 97 mark.
Nijman levelled the game again with a break of throw and then led for first time since the opening leg when he moved 11-10 ahead but, of course, Van Veen did not back down and found an unbelievable 148 checkout under huge pressure to level things at 11-11 with his opponent waiting on 64.
The deciding moment then arrived in the 25th leg as Van Veen broke Nijman's throw and gave himself the opportunity to throw for the match. On D16, he took it and denied Nijman his first ever major quarter-final spot.
In the night's final match Wade came through a tough 11-8 match against Ryan Searle to make it through to the quarters for a 14th time on what is his 21st appearance in the competition.
Nothing separated the pair in the opening exchanges, with each break of throw being nullified.
That saw the game finely poised at 5-5 and begging for someone to take control which Wade eventually did when he found a brilliant 121 checkout on the bullseye and backed it up with a hold of throw to move 8-5 in front.
Although Searle managed to break back, Wade came through clutch once again with a 143 finish against the darts.
With the 9-7 lead, 'The Machine' remained steadfast on his throw and booked his spot on D12.
What is happening on Thursday at the World Matchplay?
The quarter-final action begins at the World Matchplay on Thursday, with a later on air time of 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and Main Event.
In a replay of a 2025 semi-final epic from the Winter Gardens, Luke Littler will do battle with Josh Rock for a spot in the final four.
Gary Anderson will then take on Dirk van Duijvenbode for a semi-final spot.
Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
