World number two Luke Humphries is out of the World Matchplay after a shock first-round loss to Scotland’s Cameron Menzies.
The former world champion was punished for some poor finishing and lost his first six legs with the darts before finally holding throw.
Humphries threatened to stage a dramatic comeback, winning four legs on the spin to get back to 8-7 but Menzies sealed a stunning 10-7 victory in style by reeling in the ‘big fish’ – a maximum 170 checkout.
The result will come as a huge disappointment to Humphries after he had shown signs of returning to top form – beating Luke Littler to win the US Darts Masters in June – in the past couple of months after a slow start to the year.
But for Menzies, ranked 27th in the world, it is a momentous victory and one he says he “will take to his grave” as he becomes one of just three unseeded players to advance at this year’s tournament.
The Scot will now face 15th seed Ross Smith in the second round on Wednesday after the Englishman’s 10-6 win over Netherlands’ Kevin Doets.
Both players averaged over 100 and managed over 50% on the doubles in a high-quality match but Smith hit when it mattered most to progress.
Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price survived a scare before overcoming Germany’s Martin Schindler 11-9.
The Welshman admitted it was “probably one I should’ve lost” after falling 4-0 and 6-2 behind.
Even after fighting back to take his first lead at 9-8, Price was made to work to finish it off as Schindler hit a 121 checkout to break back before the seventh seed eventually sealed the win in the 20th leg.
It will be a battle of two former world champions in round two as Price faces Rob Cross after the Englishman’s comprehensive 10-3 win over 10th seed Danny Noppert of the Netherlands.
