PDC issue update after World Matchplay Darts clash abandoned due to Cameron Menzies' medical emergency

A second round match at the World Matchplay Darts was abandoned after Cameron Menzies suffered a medical emergency.

Menzies, who hit headlines at the World Darts Championship, faced Smith in the fixture at Winter Gardens and was leading early on.

But he looked visibly uncomfortable as he prepared to throw, moving to the side and away from the oche.

The Scot had a conversation with the referee and he nearly collapsed as he walked off the stage to receive medical attention, with Smith stopping his opponent from falling.

It was then decided that Menzies would not be able to continue and so the match was abandoned, with Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman forced to come to the stage for their clash earlier than expected.

Reacting to the incident on the Sky Sports broadcast, Mark Webster said: "Smith was obviously concerned. He'll be offering his support. While the medics are seeing to Cameron, he's got to stay on the practice board. But ultimately it's just about hoping that Cameron is okay at the minute."

Sky presenter Emma Paton then confirmed that Menzies had been "cleared by medics" but will "play no further part in tonight's action".

READ MORE: Gerwyn Price makes surprise comment about darts fans after World Matchplay win

With immediate concern for his wellbeing, the PDC put out a statement confirming Menzies had taken ill as they delivered an update on his health situation.

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

"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."

Pris d’un malaise en plein match, Cameron Menzies déclare forfait au World Matchplay#lequipeFLECHETTES pic.twitter.com/GAqX7Aaupz

— la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) July 22, 2026

Smith received a bye into the quarter finals and will face the winner of Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross.

The turn of events was incredibly unfortunate for Menzies, who had been eliminated in the first round in every other year he featured in the competition.

He ended that wretched run this time around with a victory over former world champion Luke Humphries before he was forced to withdraw from his second round encounter.

Cameron Menzies spoke about heart issue earlier this year

Back in March, Menzies spoke about being diagnosed with a heart issue and revealed he had lost three stone and was making progress by training in the gym and undergoing hypnotherapy treatment.

Speaking to Tungsten Tales, Menzies said: "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.

"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 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."

Luke Littler is the reigning World Matchplay champion and he kicked off his 2026 campaign with an impressive win over Nathan Aspinall.

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

There has also been an increase across the board, with those who lose in the semi-finals earning £65,000.