World Darts Championship: Gerwyn Price advances as Cameron Menzies reduced to tears
Former World Champion, Gerwyn Price, advanced to the third round of the 2025 World Darts Championship after defeating Keane Barry 3-0 at Alexandra Palace. However, the biggest talking point of the night came as Fallon Sherrock’s partner, Cameron Menzies, was reduced to tears by the teasing crowd.
Menzies, ranked 39 in the world, was the overwhelming favourite heading into his round one clash with Leonard Gates, ranked 130. However, the crowd played a pivotal role in proceedings, with their support swaying in the American’s favour. Menzies could not cope with the constant booing directed at him due to his Scottish nationality and was defeated 3-1.
Elsewhere, Connor Scutt produced a dominant display to see off Benn Robb in round one, with a 3-0 victory. Robert Owen came from behind to record his first win at the Palace, securing a 3-1 win over Niels Zonneveld to advance to round two.
Gerwyn Price makes Luke Humphries dig after Keane Barry victory
Price was in a jovial mood during his post-match press conference at Ally Pally, referencing how he “smashed” Luke Humphries in a recent exhibition final.
The Iceman was speaking to the media after defeating Barry in the final match of the evening session. Despite the crowd being on his back, Price remained focused on the job at hand and made easy work of a potential banana skin. The former rugby player was keen to address his recent form after advancing to the third round.
Price said: “I think I’ve played in six exhibitions, five finals, won four of them and smashed Luke Humphries in the final of one [laughs], which was nice. This is where I want to perform, on the big stage and the biggest events and I didn’t play brilliantly today, but a win is a win.”
The Welshman has endured a challenging year, failing to reach the high standards of previous seasons. However, the former world champion believes he has benefited from a timely confidence boost ahead of the competition.
He added: “I haven’t enjoyed darts much over the last year, missing the Grand Slam and going out early in the Player’s Championship finals. Having four or five weeks off probably made me realise that when I’m at home I’ve got nothing else to do rather than watch darts. I was gutted about the Grand Slam especially, but it’s given me a kick up the backside.”
Cameron Menzies reduced to tears by Ally Pally crowd
The crowd were in a tribal mood for the clash between Gates and Menzies, with fans repeatedly chanting against “USA”. The American won the audience over from the off, with his endearing dance moves. However, few would have fancied him to gain anything more than popularity.
Gates pulled off some early heroics, with a ton-plus checkout in the first leg to stun the Scot. The American then reeled off a 120 checkout followed by a finish on the bull to take the first set. As ‘the Soulger’ walked off at the break, Menzies confronted fans in the front row who had clearly rattled him.
Cammy failed to find any rhythm and was visibly uncomfortable during the encounter. While the match lacked real quality, it was the most captivating of the night in what felt like borderline bullying. As Menzies cracked, there was a rare hush in the crowd as fans were unsure how to react to the astounding situation.
The American saw off the Scot to secure a famous 3-1 victory, with both players averaging just over 80. Did the fans take it too far? Should Menzies have paid them no attention? Whichever way you look at it, this was pure box office.
Gates had some words of advice for his opponent after his astonishing triumph at the Palace. He said: “For a second I thought, just block it out, just play the game. Don’t get involved with the negativity of someone cheering against you, just stay focused on what you’re doing. If you ignore the crowd and hit what you need to hit, then trust me they’ll go quiet.”
Connor Scutt dispatches Big Rig with ease
Scutt laid down a marker with a commanding performance against Robb in the first round of the competition. The Londoner had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he signed off with a 101.92 average and 56% checkout success.
As for Big Rig, the Ally Pally stage seemed to get the better of him, and he never laid a glove on Scutt. The Kiwi was never comfortable in the party atmosphere and will want to put the result behind him.
The Sniper spoke of the timing of his interactions with the crowd, which were a deliberate ploy by the world number 70. He said: “Timing it perfectly to not distract the opponent is a massive thing, so you don’t come across too arrogant.”
Rob Owen delivers an emotional win for his family
Owen defeated his opponent in emphatic style, starting the final leg with a 180 and finishing with a 121 checkout. The Welshman was trailing after the opening set but found his form, channelling his aggression to lead the match. It was obvious how much the result meant to ‘Stack Attack’, who celebrated wildly after the winning dart.
Not only does Owen deliver on stage, but he also delivers off it for Iceland. The Welshman said: “Big up the Iceland, yeah [laughs]. I’m a part-time delivery driver, and I’ve been working 50-60 hours a week to cover family costs. I love my job and going out into the community.”
Speaking on his entry to the competition, Owen told of his wife’s overwhelming emotion. He said: “I was chuffed to say the least, but my wife started crying, believe it or not, because she cares so much and is passionate about what I do.”
