Cameron Menzies breaks silence after medical emergency forces World Matchplay withdrawal

Cameron Menzies has addressed fans with a message after a medical emergency forced him to withdraw from the World Matchplay.

Menzies appeared to buckle as he prepared to step up to the oche in his second-round tie against Ross Smith at Winter Gardens.

The world No.27 had a conversation with the referee, and he nearly collapsed as he walked off stage to receive medical attention, with Smith stopping his opponent from falling.

A decision was made to abandon the clash, with the PDC immediately releasing a statement.

"Cameron Menzies was taken ill during his round two match against Ross Smith at the Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday evening," a statement read.

"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.

"We wish Cameron all the best and look forward to seeing him back in action soon."

It was an unfortunate turn of events for Menzies, who produced a stunning performance against Luke Humphries in the first round, including a 170 finish to win the match.

Smith received a bye into the quarter-finals and will play Gerwyn Price after he coasted to an 11-5 victory over Rob Cross.

Menzies has since broken his silence on social media after his match against Smith was abandoned.

"Thanks to everyone who's checked in and sent messages. I'm okay," he wrote.

Cameron Menzies spoke about heart problems earlier this year

The reason Menzies collapsed on the stage is unknown, although he has previously spoken about being diagnosed with a heart issue, revealing that he'd lost three stone and was making progress in the gym.

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"I'm at the gym and I'll tell you something that not many folk know that I've got an issue with my heart and high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat," Menzies told Tungsten Tales.

"It's quite common, my family has always had heart issues and stuff, so my weight was bad. I was 21 stone and I'm down to 18 at the moment. I am trying to look after myself a bit more because of the doctor's orders.

"Life is generally in a good place compared to where it was three or four months ago, and I'm doing hypnotherapy treatment which is a massive thing. It just makes things easier."

Menzies has since enjoyed an upturn in performances on the oche, recently winning the Players' Championship 23 with an 8-5 victory over Cristo Reyes in the final.

The 37-year-old looked to be continuing that form at the World Matchplay after beating world No.2 Humphries, but sadly, he has been denied a chance to build on that.

The winner of this year's World Matchplay will pocket a record prize sum of £225,000, with the runner-up receiving £125,000.

Luke Littler is the reigning champion, and he has kicked off his defence with two impressive victories against Nico Springer and Nathan Aspinall, pinning a nine-dart leg in the latter.

Littler is the overwhelming favourite to defend his title and will look to continue his run in a showdown with Josh Rock on Thursday.