In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where mental sharpness rivals physical prowess, a brewing controversy has added extra spice to the Grand Slam of Darts semi-final. Welsh firebrand Gerwyn Price has openly questioned the severity of world number one Luke Humphries’ reported back injury, labeling it as “something to blame” should things go awry in their impending showdown. As the tournament in Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall reaches its fever pitch, this verbal jab from Price has fans buzzing, turning what was already a marquee matchup into a potential grudge fest.
The Grand Slam of Darts, one of the sport’s crown jewels, has delivered drama aplenty this year, with 32 top players battling in a grueling format of group stages and knockouts. Humphries, the defending champion from 2023 and current world No. 1, entered as the favorite but has been grappling with a nagging back issue that nearly derailed his campaign. The Englishman revealed the extent of his ordeal after a commanding 10-3 victory over debutant Jurjen van der Velde in the last 16, a match where he averaged an astonishing 108 despite visible discomfort. “I have no idea how I made that happen. When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow,” Humphries admitted, describing a suspected back spasm that struck suddenly. “I think I had a back spasm. I was thinking I might have to pull out today, my back was so bad.”
Humphries’ resilience shone through as he raced to a 5-0 lead with an average exceeding 117 early on, wincing occasionally but refusing to yield. He credited his physiotherapist for three hours of intensive massage that got him stage-ready, adding, “I’ve got to thank Mandy, my physio, who spent three hours massaging it. I think adrenaline got me over the line.” Even in pain, Humphries’ performance was a masterclass, wrapping up the win with clinical finishes and unshakeable focus. “I guess I’m just a fighter. I surprise myself sometimes. From almost having to pull out this morning to playing like that—it’s something special,” he said, emphasizing his determination not to disappoint the fans. The injury, which he kept under wraps to avoid giving his opponent an edge, left him in “crippling pain” across his shoulder and neck, yet he powered through, proving why he’s atop the rankings.
Enter Gerwyn Price, the 2021 world champion and a player known for his no-nonsense attitude and explosive style. Fresh off a convincing 16-9 quarter-final triumph over Ricky Evans, where he averaged over 99 and navigated crowd distractions with trademark grit, Price didn’t mince words when addressing Humphries’ ailment. The Welshman, who has dealt with his own back troubles in the past—including a withdrawal from a Premier League event last year—suggested the injury might be exaggerated for strategic reasons. “Something to blame,” Price quipped, implying it could serve as a convenient excuse if Humphries falters under pressure. His comments came amid reflections on his own form, where he noted, “I’m coming back to my best. I’m not there yet,” but expressed confidence in handling the Wolverhampton atmosphere, even giving it back to rowdy spectators egged on by Evans. “I was quite calm apart from halfway through. I saw Ricky getting them [the crowd] up, but I was like, ‘I’m giving that back, I have to,'” Price said, praising his opponent’s recent surge while asserting his own resurgence.
This isn’t the first time Price has stirred the pot; his history of crowd interactions, including donning ear defenders during a World Championship match to block jeers, has made him a polarizing figure. But against Humphries, it’s personal and professional—two heavyweights with contrasting styles: Humphries’ cool, metronomic precision versus Price’s raw power and intensity. The semi-final, set for Saturday evening in a best-of-31 legs format, promises fireworks, especially with Humphries’ injury adding an unpredictable layer. “I woke up this morning and couldn’t get my head off the pillow. I’ve had a bad neck for a few days, but it’s been fine. But I sat up and the crippling pain that came across this part [my shoulder] was awful,” Humphries elaborated, admitting the pain persisted post-match. Yet, he vowed, “I’m in a lot of pain now, it’s hurting me, but I’m a fighter. I put everything on the line tonight. I was never going to give in.”
The other semi-final pits teenage sensation Luke Littler against Dutch powerhouse Danny Noppert, following Littler’s comeback heroics and Noppert’s upset of Michael van Gerwen. Littler, eyeing the top spot, overcame a 9-6 deficit to edge Josh Rock 16-12, revealing his mental turmoil: “Oh, as soon as I got off them stairs I was giving myself absolute hell.” But the spotlight remains on Humphries and Price, whose rivalry could define the tournament’s climax on Sunday.
As the £650,000 prize pot beckons—with £150,000 for the winner—this exchange underscores darts’ unique blend of skill, psychology, and showmanship. Humphries, battling through adversity, aims for a second Grand Slam title, while Price seeks his fourth. Whether the back injury proves a hindrance or mere motivation, one thing’s certain: this showdown will be unmissable, with egos, arrows, and perhaps a dash of controversy flying across the oche.
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