An emotional Cameron Menzies has called his win over Luke Humphries “the biggest moment of my darts career” after his dramatic setback secured his place in the next round of the World Matchplay Darts.
Menzies claimed his first-ever win at Winter Gardens, defeating world no. 2 produced an incredible Big Fish checkout to beat Humphries 10-7.
The monumental win was a full-circle moment for the Scot and marks a remarkable turnaround in fortunes just eight months after he underwent surgery after hitting a table during his first-round loss to Josh Manby at the World Championships.
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Cameron Menzies crossed the Big Fish finish line to stun Luke Humphries in World Match Play.
“I don’t know how to explain it (the win). I believed in my heart that I could be mad, but I’m going to have to let it out in my skin,” Menzies said.
“I can’t say I played the way I wanted to, but I played really well. I said before the game that if I wanted to beat Luke, I had to take every opportunity he gave me.
“It’s not like Luke to give too many chances, but obviously I’ll take them. A lot went into it. I was happy. I stole a few legs to win, but it was the best moment of my darts career.”
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Cameron Menzies hits a huge double-double finish against Luke Humphries!
The Scot said he considered giving up darts altogether in February, but has achieved his best ever win after a “horrible” start to 2026, which also included the death of his uncle.
“I got there because I didn’t think I was qualified to do this.
“At the beginning of the year I was terrible, really bad. It was a really bad start to the year, but I had been through a lot.
“I feel better both mentally and physically. I’m enjoying darts again.”
Mardle: Menzies now knows he can handle anything.
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Hear from Cameron Menzies and Wayne Mardle after the Scotsman’s famous win over Luke Humphries in the World Matchplay.
Wayne Mardle, Sky Sports Darts:
“This is his best win ever and he mentioned it.
“With Cameron Menzies, everyone talks about his emotions, but that’s the way he went about winning that game.
“Nothing goes as planned. I broke up twice early and that’s the emotional ups and downs. It’s the culmination of breaking up to breaking.”
Menzies’ win over Humphreys was his first at Winter Gardens.
“Then he ran and got stuck again.
“A lot happened in that game, but he captured it all beautifully.
“Humphries had incredible ability on four legs, but Menzies found his level again and that’s something we don’t see enough of.
“What he needed to realize tonight was the way he handled this situation. It was like he’d been there a million times before.”
“He now knows he can handle anything.”
What’s happening at World Match Play on Tuesday?
Luke Littler, World Match Play Darts 2026
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens from 18 to 26 July. 32 players will compete for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Two-time world champion Luke Littler takes on Nathan Aspinall in a blockbuster showdown. He began his Phil Taylor Trophy defense with a stunning 10-6 win over Niko Springer on day one in Blackpool..
Betfred World Matchplay – Tuesday Match Schedule (1st to 11th Legs)
Stephen Bunting takes on Josh Rock after winning the Winter Gardens classic against debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts to beat the Dutchman 13-12.
Three-time World Match Play winner Michael van Gerwen will face fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. 2018 champion Gary Anderson faces 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton. He averaged 109.96 in his 10-2 win over Ryan Joyce, the eighth-highest average in World Match Play history.
Who will be the winner of this year’s World Match Play Darts? Luke Littler is set to defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream the best sports including darts with NOW.
