The second round of the 2026 World Matchplay concluded at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens tonight, with four more players securing their places in the quarter-finals. Following a memorable evening on Tuesday that saw Luke Littler produce a sensational nine-dart finish and the second-highest average in World Matchplay history, expectations were sky high heading into Wednesday’s session with plenty of blockbuster ties in waiting.

Smith gets a bye

Unfortunately, the evening quickly took a worrying turn during the opening match between Cameron Menzies and Ross Smith. Menzies, who had stunned world number two and former World Matchplay champion Luke Humphries in the opening round, became visibly unwell early in the contest. ‘Cammy’ appeared dizzy on stage, signalling to the referee that something wasn’t right before receiving immediate medical attention.

The PDC later confirmed that Menzies had suffered from high blood pressure, leading to dizziness and feeling faint. Thankfully, he was later reported to be conscious, talking and well enough to return to his accommodation, while Ross Smith progressed to the quarter-finals by default. We wish Cameron all the best.

Van Veen wins a thriller

The all-Dutch clash between Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman more than lived up to expectations, producing one of the best matches of the tournament so far. Both players were playing well throughout, with neither able to establish a decisive advantage as the contest repeatedly swung from one player to the other.

Van Veen’s experience on the biggest stages ultimately proved decisive. With Nijman sat on 64 to win the match, the world number three found another gear, producing a clutch 148 checkout to save the tie. Van Veen would then go on to win three of the next four legs to book his place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Matchplay with a 14-12 victory.

Price pummels Cross

Gerwyn Price averaged over 100 as he eased to an 11-5 victory over Rob Cross to book his place in the World Matchplay quarter-finals. The Welshman fired in seven 180s and finished exactly 50% of his darts at doubles, in a very dominant performance.

Price won seven of the final nine legs to wrap up one of the most convincing performances of the second round and reach the quarter-finals for the fifth time in his career.

Walking in a Wadey Wonderland

The final game of the evening saw World Matchplay veteren and former winner James Wade take on World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle, with the winner to play Gian van Veen in the Quarter-Finals.

It was a machine like performance from James Wade, defeating a resilient Ryan Searle 11-8, averaging just shy of a ton and hitting 50% of his darts on the outer ring.

Could James Wade be lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday night, 19 years after he first won it?

2026 Betfred World Matchplay

Wednesday July 22 (1900 BST)

Round Two x4

Ross Smith W/O (Cameron Menzies withdrew through illness)

Gian van Veen 14-12 Wessel Nijman

Gerwyn Price 11-5 Rob Cross

James Wade 11-8 Ryan Searle

Best of 21 legs

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