Menzies withdraws from World Matchplay Darts after becoming unwell on stage

Cameron Menzies' match against Ross Smith at the World Matchplay Darts was abandoned after the Scot became dizzy on stage and later fainted at the Winter Gardens on Wednesday night.Menzies was 2-1 up in the second-round match when he doubled over in discomfort and appeared to become unsteady on his feet, with both Smith and the match officials coming to his aid. The 37-year-old received medical attention after being taken from the stage, with the PDC later confirming Menzies had experienced high blood pressure. After medical checks, Menzies was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation. Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results 📅Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺The match was officially abandoned, with Smith progressing to the quarter-finals where he will face either Gerwyn Price or Rob Cross.A statement from the PDC said: "Cameron Menzies was taken ill during his round two match against Ross Smith at the Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday evening. Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. "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. Latest Darts Stories Premier League Darts: Updates from Night 12 in Liverpool with Luke Littler, Luke Humphries in action Betfred World Matchplay: Luke Littler out to win back-to-back titles as field confirmed for £1m boosted event PDC Women's Series: Beau Greaves maintains darting dominance as she celebrates milestone to kick off 2026 Premier League Darts 2026: Michael van Gerwen says winning is the best medicine after Night One glory in Newcastle Saudi Arabia Darts Masters: Scores, results, commentary with Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen in action World Matchplay 2025: How 'incredible' Luke Littler deserved Blackpool victory and can keep breaking more records "We wish Cameron all the best and look forward to seeing him back in action soon."Following a short break, Gian van Veen's match against Wessel Nijman commenced."I echo the thoughts of everybody; right now, it's all about Cameron Menzies," Sky Sports' Glen Durrant said."He's in tip-top form at the moment. It's a real tough one to take." Image: Following assessments, medics said Menzies was 'sitting up, conscious and talking with his partner' Menzies had advanced to the second round of the World Matchplay Darts after beating 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7, a victory he called "the biggest moment of my darts career."The Scot produced a Big Fish checkout to beat the world No 2, and afterwards, was left lost for words."I don't know how to explain that [victory]. I did believe in my heart that I could maybe cause an upset but I would have to play it out of my skin," Menzies said."I wouldn't say I played it out of my skin, but I played really well. I did say before the game started, to beat Luke, I need to take every chance that he gives me."It's not like Luke to give a lot of chances away, but obviously I'm going to take it. A lot went in. I was happy. I stole a few legs to win, but it's made the best moment of my darts career."More to follow...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.