Luke Humphries has revealed he thought he would have to withdraw from the Grand Slam of Darts after suffering “terrible pain” ahead of Wednesday’s last-16 match.
If you didn’t know about Humphries’ injury, you wouldn’t have known he was suffering from suspected back spasms other than a few grimaces throughout. Humphries, ranked No. 1 in the world, got off to a great start, averaging over an astonishing 117 points and leading 5-0.
In the end he defeated debutant Jurgen van der Velde 10-3 to set up a quarter-final match against fellow injury-plagued Michael Smith, who survived 11 matches of ridiculous darts from Chris Dobie to win the decisive leg drama.
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Michael Smith and Chris Dobbie played the most dramatic final match, with Bully Boy finally taking the game after 18 missed match darts.
It was a great performance for the 2023 Grand Slam champion, but he admitted he wasn’t sure if he would really be able to take the stage after spending the day trying to relieve the pain.
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Luke Humphries has revealed he needed three hours of physiotherapy to prepare for his match against Jurgen van der Velde after waking up with cramps and almost dropping out of the tournament.
“I have no idea how it happened. When I woke up this morning I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“I think I had some back spasms. My back was so bad that I thought I might have to withdraw today.
“I have to thank my physio, Mandy, who spent three hours massaging me, I think the adrenaline got me over the edge.
“I think I’m just a fighter. Sometimes I surprise myself. To go from almost having to retire this morning to playing like that, it’s special.”
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Jurjen van der Velde celebrates finally winning a leg against the dominant Luke Humphries in the second round of the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts.
In fact, Humphries doesn’t really know how he got injured, but he knows he’s a “fighter” and will continue to give his fans what they want as he prepares for another major challenge.
“When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t take my head off the pillow. My neck had been feeling bad for a few days, but I was fine. But when I woke up, the pain in this area (shoulder) was so bad,” he added.
“I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want Jurgen to know. It’s been a struggle for me all day. It’s crazy how I could perform like that when I had to get injured.”
“I can’t believe I did that. I’m in so much pain right now and I’m hurting myself. But I’m a fighter and I put it all on the line tonight. I was never going to give in and I wasn’t going to not give the fans what they wanted.”
Webster: Humphries shows why he’s a threat.
For Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster, Humphries’ performance despite his injury shows why he remains a ‘threat’ and always makes an impact in the big moments.
“It was a great show. He looked really uncomfortable as a walk-on. You could see he didn’t extend his right arm. He looked a little stiff, but then he started toward a full flyer,” Webster said.
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Luke Humphries hits a nine darter to win against Michael Smith in the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts.
“He looked a little sore with a few loose darts, but overall it was a very classy performance.
“He must be glad he didn’t miss out because he has a few days to come back and it will give him more time to heal.
“What a campaign this has been for the world number one. There’s a lot going on, right? There’s talk that he won’t be world number one at the end of this tournament, but he still wants to stay there.
“Twelve months ago he whined a bit and left the group after winning the year before, so he wanted to make an impact this time and he did that.
“He got through a tricky group, but if he hadn’t made such a breathtaking start and controlled the match, it could have been a tough draw (with Jurgen van der Velde).
“That’s when he’s at his best flow. That’s why he’s won multiple major titles. Of course he’s going to be a big threat here this week.”
What’s planned for Thursday?
On Thursday, the last 16 will conclude with four second-round matches featuring Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Josh Lock competing for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Thursday 13 November 1900 (Sky Sports + and Sky Sports Main Event)
4x 2nd round (best of 19 legs)
Lukas Wenig v Nico Springer
Josh Locke v Connor Scutt
Luke Littler v Wessel Nyman
Michael van Gerwen v Danny Knoppert
Who will win the Mr. Vegas Grand Slam of Darts? Watch live coverage all week long on Sky Sports. Live coverage will continue on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts and other top sports now
