World Matchplay Darts: Cameron Menzies dubs Luke Humphries win 'biggest moment of career' eight months after hand surgery

21.07.2026, 15:22 skysports.com

An emotional Cameron Menzies dubbed his win against Luke Humphries "the biggest moment of my darts career" after his dramatic upset secured his place in the next round of the World Matchplay Darts.

Menzies pulled out an incredible Big Fish checkout to beat world No 2 Humphries 10-7 in his first-ever triumph at Winter Gardens.

The monumental victory was a full-circle moment for the Scot, and represents a remarkable turnaround in fortune just eight months after he required surgery for punching a table during his first-round defeat to Josh Manby at the World Championship.

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"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."

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The Scot revealed in February that he considered giving up darts altogether, but reflected on his greatest ever win after a "terrible" start to 2026, which also included the death of his uncle:

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"It's up there because I didn't think I was going to qualify for this.

"The start of the year, I was terrible. I was just really bad. I had a really poor start to the year but I went through a lot.

"I'm in a better place mentally and physically. I'm enjoying darts again."

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Sky Sports Darts' Wayne Mardle:

"It's his best ever win, and he mentioned that.

"With Cameron Menzies, everyone mentions his emotions, but it's the way he had to win that game.

"Nothing went according to plan. He was broken back early twice, that's up and down emotions. The high of breaking to being broken back.

"Then he went on a run, and got pegged back.

"There was a lot happening in that game, but he held it all together beautifully.

"Humphries had an amazing spell of four legs, but then Menzies found a level again, and that's something we don't see enough.

"What he should take away from tonight was the way he handled this situation. It was like he was there a million times before.

"He knows he can handle anything now."

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens from July 18-26, as a 32-player field compete for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.

Two-time world champion Luke Littler takes on Nathan Aspinall in a blockbuster clash after opening his defence of the Phil Taylor Trophy with a sensational 10-6 win over Niko Springer on Day One in Blackpool.

Stephen Bunting takes on Josh Rock after winning through a Winter Gardens classic against debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts to edge past the Dutchman 13-12.

Three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen faces fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, while Gary Anderson - the 2018 champion - goes up against 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton having recorded the eighth-highest average in World Matchplay history, averaging 109.96 in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce.

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.