Gerwyn Price survives Schindler scare at World Matchplay 2025

Gerwyn Price dug deepest when it mattered most on Monday night at the Winter Gardens, surviving a pulsating first-round duel with Martin Schindler to keep his World Matchplay hopes alive.

What happened?

Price was pushed all the way by Schindler before edging through to a tense 10-9 overtime victory on 21 July 2025. The German started like a house on fire, racing to a 5-2 lead with clinical finishes including a 98 checkout. But Price clawed back to force a deciding leg, then sealed it with a 57 checkout and a 100 finish in the extra session.

Why it matters for Gerwyn Price

The win keeps Price’s 2025 title defence on track after a shaky start. His average of 95.2 belied the pressure he absorbed late on, while Schindler’s darting accuracy-peaking at 121-nearly ended the Welshman’s campaign before it gained momentum. Price now faces a second-round tie against either Danny Noppert or Rob Cross.

Cameron Menzies shocks Luke Humphries

Elsewhere, Cameron Menzies produced a career-best display to dump out world number one Luke Humphries 10-7. The Scot raced to a 7-3 lead, including a stunning 170 checkout, before Humphries rallied to 8-6. Menzies held nerve and finish to seal the biggest scalp of his career so far.

Ross Smith silences doubters

Ross Smith underlined his Winter Gardens pedigree with a clinical 10-6 dismantling of Kevin Doets. Smith averaged 100.4, broke early and often, and never let Doets back into a match that swung decisively in the first five legs. The victory silences recent chatter about Smith’s form and sets up a clash with either Cross or Noppert next.

What comes next?

The first round concluded with Cross thrashing Noppert 10-3 to complete the second-round line-up. Price will return to the oche on Tuesday evening, while Menzies and Smith prepare for their next high-pressure showdowns. The World Matchplay rolls on at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, with the cream rising to the top.