Luke Humphreys has revealed he believes he will have to withdraw from the Grand Slam of Darts after suffering “severe pain” ahead of Wednesday’s last 16 match.

If you didn’t know the extent of Humphries’ injury, you wouldn’t know he was dealing with suspected back spasms, and aside from a few flinches throughout, the world No. 1 started the tournament 5-0 with a staggering average of over 117 points.

He eventually beat debutant Jurjen Van der Velde 10-3 and set up a quarter-final showdown with an injury-riddled Michael Smith, who survived 11 darts from Chris Dobey to win the decisive leg.

While the 2023 Grand Slam champion performed brilliantly, he admitted he wasn’t sure he would be able to take the stage after spending the day trying to ease the pain he was enduring.

“I don’t know how I did it. When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow,” Humphreys told me sky sports.

“I think I have back spasms. I think I might have to quit today, my back is so bad.

“I’d like to thank my physio Mandy who spent three hours massaging it. I think the adrenaline pushed me over the edge.

“I guess I’m just a fighter. Sometimes I surprise myself. To go from almost having to quit this morning to playing like this – it’s pretty special.”

In fact, Humphries isn’t quite sure how he got injured, but he knows he’s a “fighter” and will continue to give fans what they want as he attempts to win another major.

“I woke up this morning and couldn’t lift my head off the pillow. My neck has been bad for a few days, but it’s fine now. But when I sat up, the pain in this area (my shoulder) was horrible,” he added.

“I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want Jurjan to know. It was a struggle for me all day long. It’s crazy that you can perform like this with all the injuries I had to deal with.”

“I can’t believe I did it. I’m in pain right now and it hurts me, but I’m a fighter. I put everything on the line tonight. I will never give in and give the fans what they want.”

Webster: Humphries is showing why he’s a threat

for sky sports darts Mark Webster, Humphries’ performance despite injury showed why he remains a ‘threat’ and always makes an impact in the big moments.

“It was a really good play, wasn’t it? He looked really uncomfortable in the walk-on. You noticed he didn’t extend his right arm. He looked a little stiff, but then he just played really well,” Webster said.

“There were a few darts that came loose and he looked a little bit in pain. But overall it was a really good performance.

“I bet he’s glad he didn’t quit because now he’s got a few days before he can compete again, which gives him more time to get treatment.

“What a great campaign it will be for the world number one. There’s a lot going on, isn’t there? There are people saying he won’t be world number one at the end of this tournament, but he wants to stay there.”

“Twelve months ago he quit the group with a bit of a whimper after winning last year, so he wanted to make an impact this time. And he did.

“He came through a tricky group and it could have been a tough draw (against Jurjan van de Velde) if he hadn’t started so spectacularly and controlled the game.

“That’s when he’s at his best, giving it his all. That’s why he’s won multiple Grand Slams. Of course, he’s going to be a huge threat here this week.”

What’s happening on Thursday?

The last 16 will feature four second-round matches on Thursday, with Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Josh Rock all vying for a quarter-final spot.

Thursday 13 November 1900 (Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event)
4x second round (Best of 19 legs)

Lukas Wenig v Nico Springer
Josh Locke v Connor Scutt
Luke Littler v Wesel Niemann
Michael van Gerwen v Danny Noppert

Who will win the Mr. Vegas Darts Slam? Watch live on Sky Sports all week long. Live coverage will continue on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event. Live stream darts and more top sports with NOW