Humphries suffers shock first-round exit at World Matchplay

World number two Luke Humphries has been eliminated from the World Matchplay after a stunning first-round defeat to Scotland's Cameron Menzies. The former world champion struggled with his finishing, losing the first six legs where he threw before finally holding his throw. Humphries mounted a strong comeback, winning four consecutive legs to cut the deficit to 8-7, but Menzies sealed a sensational 10-7 victory with a maximum 170 checkout, known as the 'big fish'. The result is a major disappointment for Humphries, who had shown signs of returning to top form in recent months, including winning the US Darts Masters in June by beating Luke Littler. For Menzies, ranked 27th in the world, this is a momentous win that he says he 'will take to his grave'. He becomes one of just three unseeded players to advance at this year's tournament. Menzies will face 15th seed Ross Smith in the second round on Wednesday after Smith'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. Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price survived a scare before defeating 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 taking his first lead at 9-8, Price was made to work as Schindler hit a 121 checkout to break back before Price sealed the win in the 20th leg. Price will face fellow former world champion Rob Cross in the second round, after Cross's comprehensive 10-3 win over 10th seed Danny Noppert of the Netherlands.