Cameron Menzies sends message to opponent Ross Smith as he opens up on fainting at World Matchplay Darts

Cameron Menzies has expressed his disappointment after his World Matchplay campaign came to a sudden end when he collapsed on stage during his second-round match against Ross Smith.

The 35-year-old Scot was forced to withdraw after becoming unwell just three legs into the contest at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. Menzies, who had taken a 2-1 lead, began to lose his balance before Smith and tournament officials rushed to support him as medical staff were called onto the stage.

Doctors later confirmed that Menzies had experienced high blood pressure, which caused dizziness and ultimately led to him fainting. The match was abandoned, with Smith advancing to the quarter-finals.

In a heartfelt statement released the following day, Menzies thanked fans for their overwhelming support while admitting he was devastated by the way his tournament ended.

“Just a quick message to say thank you to everyone for all the messages,” Menzies said.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t well enough to continue the match. It’s obviously not how I wanted my World Matchplay to end, especially after playing some of the best darts of my career over the last few weeks.

“I’m grateful to the medical team for looking after me, to Ross for checking on me, and to everyone at the Winter Gardens for their support.

“A big good luck to Ross for the rest of the tournament. I wish him all the best.

“Hopefully I’ll be back doing what I love very soon. Thanks for all your support—it really does mean a lot.”

Ross Smith also shared his support for his fellow professional, posting on social media: “So glad my good friend Cameron Menzies is OK. Health comes before anything. You will come back stronger than ever. Love ya mate.”

The emotional statement came less than 24 hours after worrying scenes unfolded during one of the biggest matches of Menzies’ career.

The world No. 27 had entered the contest full of confidence after producing one of the biggest wins of the tournament by eliminating world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the opening round. He looked sharp again against Smith, moving into a 2-1 lead before suddenly collapsing as he prepared to throw.

Sky Sports immediately switched its broadcast away from the stage while St John Ambulance medics treated Menzies in front of a stunned crowd inside the Winter Gardens.

The Professional Darts Corporation later confirmed that the match had been abandoned after medical staff assessed the Scot.

In its official statement, the PDC explained that Menzies suffered from high blood pressure, which caused him to become dizzy before fainting. After being examined by the on-site medical team, he was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation.

The governing body also wished him a speedy recovery and said it looked forward to seeing him back in action soon.

During the live broadcast, Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton kept viewers informed as the situation developed.

“Cameron Menzies is currently unwell,” she said. “All we know is that he is being seen to by St John Ambulance. Hopefully he is okay and feeling better very shortly.”

A few hours after the incident, Menzies reassured supporters with a brief message on social media, writing: “Thanks to everyone who’s checked in and sent messages. I’m okay.”

The popular Scot had arrived in Blackpool in excellent form, having produced some of the finest performances of his career in recent weeks. Shortly before taking to the stage, he even filmed a light-hearted PDC social media segment recreating his trademark 170 “Big Fish” checkout.

Instead of continuing his impressive run, however, Menzies’ World Matchplay campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion through illness rather than defeat. His immediate focus is now on making a full recovery before returning to competitive action.