Luke Humphries Nearly Forced to Pull Out of Grand Slam Due to 'Crippling' Issue

Luke Humphries almost pulled out of the Grand Slam of Darts after experiencing a 'crippling pain' before his tie against Jurjen van der Velde.

Humphries booked his spot in the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals following his emphatic 10-3 victory over Van der Velde on Wednesday.

He boasted a stunning average of 108.55 and hit seven 180s, setting up a mouth-watering clash against Michael Smith.

Humphries' clinical victory over Van der Velde is even more impressive considering he nearly withdrew from his round of 16 match.

Speaking after his win in Wolverhampton, 'Cool Hand Luke' revealed he could barely lift his head up when he woke up in bed.

He suffered a back spasm and complained of a 'crippling pain' in his shoulder.

Despite the pain in his body, Humphries persevered as he described himself as a fighter after securing his place in the next round of the competition.

Luke Humphries experienced a crippling pain before his game against Jurjen van der Velde. Image: Getty

When asked how he put in such a stellar performance, Humphries replied: "No idea, honestly, you ask my fiancee. When I woke up this morning, for 15 minutes I couldn't pick my head up off the pillow.

"I think I've got a back spasm and I was kind of thinking that maybe I'd have to pull out today. It was really that bad, my back was so bad and my shoulder or whatever it is

"I've just got to thank Mandy, my physio, who's been on it for three hours looking after me, massaging it and trying to get it in the best state it physically could be. I think the adrenaline just got me over the line."

Luke Humphries beat Jurjen van der Velde to secure his spot in the next round of the Grand Slam of Darts. Image: Getty

Humphries added: "I guess I'm just a fighter and I surprise myself sometimes. From almost having to pull out this morning to playing like that is something special. I woke up this morning and I couldn't get my head off the pillow.

"I've had a bad neck for a few days but it's been fine, copeable but today I sat up and the crippling pain that came across this part here (points to shoulder) was awful. I didn't want to say anything before because I didn't want Jurjen to know. Obviously, you did, but I've been struggling all day.

"It's just crazy how you can go and perform like that when you've got an injury like I have. But like I say, I just have to thank Mandy, my physio, she's worked so hard to the point where it's in the physical state to play, and I can't believe I've done that."