The World Matchplay Darts was suspended on Wednesday evening after Cameron Menzies was taken off stage at Winter Gardens in Blackpool due to a medical issue. Menzies was throwing in the third leg of his second-round match against Ross Smith when he began pulling at his left ear and stepped to the side of the oche. He then bent over with both hands on his knees, prompting Smith and the officials to check on him.
Medical Incident Halts Play
Sky Sports' television cameras cut away from the scenes as Menzies was taken off stage. 'All we know at the moment is that he is being seen to by St John's Ambulance,' said Sky Sports' Emma Paton. 'He is with some medics at the moment. Hopefully he is ok and feeling better very shortly.'
PDC Confirms Withdrawal
After a break in play, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) announced that Menzies had withdrawn from the match due to a medical issue. 'Cameron Menzies is unable to continue his Round Two clash after being taken unwell. Ross Smith progresses to the Quarter-Finals as a result. The next match between Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman will start shortly,' the PDC statement read.
Menzies Conscious and Talking
Sky Sports subsequently confirmed that Menzies is 'conscious' and 'talking to his partner' backstage at Winter Gardens but would play no further part in the match on Wednesday. The incident caused a delay in the tournament schedule, with the subsequent match starting shortly after the announcement.
