World Matchplay darts in Blackpool sees upsets and player withdrawals

The PDC World Matchplay tournament in Blackpool featured several surprising results. England’s Ross Smith overcame Dutch debutant Kevin Doets 10‑6 in the second round, advancing after a strong showing despite Doets posting the highest match average of the night. Danny Noppert suffered a heavy 10‑3 first‑round defeat to England’s Rob Cross, later describing the loss as a “painful” disappointment and acknowledging a dip in his form. Scottish qualifier Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from his second‑round match against Ross Smith because of health issues related to high blood pressure, allowing Smith to progress to the quarter‑finals. In the Dutch head‑to‑head, Gian van Veen edged Wessel Nijman 14‑12 after extra legs to reach the last eight. Michael van Gerwen, Michael Anderson and other top seeds also recorded victories as the field narrowed. The tournament’s prize fund surpassed £1 million, making the event the most lucrative after the World Championship. Upcoming quarter‑final fixtures include Gerwyn Price versus Ross Smith, and James Wade against Ryan Searle, with the competition set to continue into the weekend.