Grand Slam of Darts 2025: World No.1 Luke Humphries Nearly Pulls Out After Back Injury

Luke Humphries is still firmly on track to become a two-time Grand Slam of Darts champion, despite battling a pre-match injury that could have sidelined him.

Injury Strikes Overnight

Before his match, former player and now commentator Wayne Mardle revealed that Humphries had suffered an overnight injury.

"His neck or shoulder cramped up overnight. Maybe he pulled a muscle or something. He's not at 100 percent,” Mardle said.

On stage, Humphries appeared to be in some discomfort, but it did not impact his performance or his remarkable three-dart average of 108.55, as he secured a 10-3 victory over Jurjen van der Velde to book his place in the quarterfinals. It was van der Velde, however, who struggled, feeling the pain of the defeat.

Close Call with Withdrawal

After the match, Humphries opened up about how close he came to pulling out of the tournament altogether. Waking up with severe back pain that left him unable to lift his head off the pillow, the world number one admitted the situation was serious.

"I spoke to my manager earlier and was like I'm in trouble. I can't get my head off the pillow.”

"It's been a struggle today. I was almost ready to pull out because it was that bad this morning and it's just crazy how much 12 hours can change everything.”

"It’s probably one of my best performances I've ever had in my life under the circumstances it's kind of surreal to be honest.”

Diagnosis and Past Experience

Humphries was advised by Master of Ceremonies John McDonald that the issue was likely a back spasm, something he had experienced previously at a European Tour event in Budapest.

"We think it's a back spasm. I dunno because I'm not too clued up on this sort of thing.”

“John McDonald he’s broke his neck before, so he came up and had a little look and he was like 'yeah it’s a back spasm.'

“There’s nothing structurally wrong, it's just obviously I've either slept wrong a couple of times too many or with the travelling you do, it can have an effect on your body.”

Physio to the Rescue

Humphries had to put practice aside for the day, relying on his physio Mandy to help him recover and keep his tournament hopes alive.

"Mandy, the amazing Mandy, she looked after me so well, three hours of physio. Really massaged the area to the best as she physically could. And we had a couple of sessions here as well trying to really get whatever it is out.”

Adjusted Preparation for Quarterfinals

Looking ahead to his quarterfinal clash on Friday, Humphries revealed that his preparation will focus heavily on physio work rather than practice.

"It's the same. She's going to come around my house tomorrow and work on it again and then Friday do the same, just keep it going.”

"It's easy just to think I played alright there so I'll go home and just forget about it. But it's obviously a problem."

Call for Full-Time Physio at PDC Events

The world number one also called on the PDC to consider having a full-time physio available at events to assist players dealing with injuries.

“Without that physio I wouldn't have been able to play at any sort of standard today. Maybe this is something the PDC need to look at in the future. The PDPA maybe need someone like this because she was god send for me today."

"Some of the players might have to get onboard and out her forward to be apart full time."

Humphries now looks to continue his Grand Slam campaign, hoping that with careful management of his back, he can maintain his top form and push for the title.