Price, Van Veen, Wade reach World Matchplay quarters after Menzies withdrawal
7 reported
Gerwyn Price, James Wade, and Gian van Veen advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay on July 22, 2026, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, as reported by Sky Sports. The night’s opening match was abandoned after Cameron Menzies became dizzy on stage while leading Ross Smith 2-1, later fainting and being checked by medical staff. Smith advanced to the last eight, where he will face Price, who defeated Rob Cross 11-5. Van Veen won a 14-12 tie-break against Wessel Nijman to set up a rematch with Wade, who beat Ryan Searle 11-8. The quarter-finals continue on Thursday, July 23, with Luke Littler defending his title against Josh Rock and Gary Anderson facing Dirk van Duijvenbode.
What’s reported
Gerwyn Price beat Rob Cross 11-5 to reach the quarter-finals.
Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness while leading Ross Smith 2-1; Smith advanced.
Menzies experienced high blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting, per a PDC statement.
Gian van Veen defeated Wessel Nijman 14-12 in a tie-break.
James Wade beat Ryan Searle 11-8 to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th time.
Wade and Van Veen will meet in a rematch of their 2025 quarter-final, which Wade won 16-13.
Thursday’s quarter-finals include Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock and Gary Anderson vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Key figures
Gerwyn Price, darts player
Rob Cross, darts player
Cameron Menzies, darts player
Ross Smith, darts player
Gian van Veen, darts player
Wessel Nijman, darts player
James Wade, darts player
Ryan Searle, darts player
Luke Littler, darts player
Josh Rock, darts player
Gary Anderson, darts player
Dirk van Duijvenbode, darts player
Wayne Mardle, Sky Sports Darts commentator
PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), organization
Sources: Sky Sports
