Key Highlights
- Luke Humphries suffered a suspected back spasm that caused him to question his ability to play in the Grand Slam.
- Humphries’ match against Jurjen van der Velde was a dominant performance, with a remarkable average of over 117.
- Despite pain and discomfort, Humphries managed to secure a 10-3 victory and advance to the quarter-finals.
- The injury and his fight through it highlight Humphries’ determination as a top darts player.
Luke Humphries Overcomes Severe Pain in Grand Slam of Darts
Top darts player Luke Humphries has revealed the intense physical pain he endured before and during his match against Jurjen van der Velde at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts. Humphries, currently ranked as the world number one, was so concerned about his back spasm that he considered pulling out of the tournament.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Humphries explained, “I have no idea how I made that happen. When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow.
I think I had a back spasm. I was thinking I might have to pull out today, my back was so bad.” He further added, “I’ve got to thank Mandy, my physio, who spent three hours massaging it. I think adrenaline got me over the line.”
Match Performance
Despite his pain, Humphries delivered a remarkable performance in his last-16 match against van der Velde. He raced 5-0 ahead and maintained an impressive average of over 117 to secure a 10-3 victory.
Humphries’ coach, Mark Webster, commented on the player’s resilience: “There were a few loose darts, and he looked like he was in a little pain. But overall, that was such a polished performance. I bet he’s glad he didn’t pull out, because now he’s got a couple of days before he plays again, giving him more time for treatment.”
Quarter-Finals Ahead
With his win over van der Velde, Humphries will face fellow injury-battler Michael Smith in the quarter-finals. Smith made it through the second round after surviving a dramatic 11-match leg against Chris Dobey.
Humphries reflected on his performance: “I’m in a lot of pain now, but I’m a fighter. I put everything on the line tonight. I was never going to give in and not give the fans what they want.”
Upcoming Matches
The Grand Slam of Darts continues with several crucial matches scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025. Notable matchups include:
- Lukas Wenig v Niko Springer
- Josh Rock v Connor Scutt
- Lukey Littler v Wessel Nijman
- Michael van Gerwen v Danny Noppert
The tournament’s organizers and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Humphries and other players perform in the coming rounds, given the challenging conditions many are facing.
