MENZIES TAKEN ILL AS WORLD MATCHPLAY CLASH IS ABANDONED

CAMERON MENZIES had to be helped off stage just three legs into his World Matchplay round two clash.

The Ayrshire ace was leading Ross Smith 2-1 when suddenly he was taken ill at the Winter Gardens.

Menzies, 35, looked shaky on his feet before officials and Smith came to his immediate aid and held him.

The match was suspended as medics attended to the Scottish star. It was then announced that the round two clash had been abandoned.

Sky presenter Emma Paton said: “Cameron Menzies is currently unwell. All we know is that he is being seen to by St John’s Ambulance. We know that he is with some medics at the moment. Hopefully he is okay and feeling better very shortly.”

The PDC said afterwards: “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.”

Sky presenter Emma Paton then added on screen that Menzies had been given the all-clear by medics.

She added: “We understand Cameron Menzies is still being assessed, but he is conscious, is sitting up and is now talking to his partner.”

Pundit Glen Durrant said: “All our thoughts are with Cammy. He was in great form and we all hope he is OK.”

Menzies had apparently been in fantastic form preparing for the match just 48 hours after knocking out World No.2 Luke Humphries.

He had done some social media sketches for the PDC and recreated his 170 ‘Big Fish’ finishes shortly before going on stage.

Smith will get a bye into the quarter-finals against either Rob Cross or Gerwyn Price.

Words: Phil Lanning

Image: Taylor Lanning