"I was going to pull out on Thursday, and I made the final": Luke Humphries nearly didn't make it to favourite European Tour with shoulder problem

PDC
Monday, 07 September 2026 at 09:12
Luke Humphries (1)
Luke Humphries once again left a big impression despite losing out in the final of the Czech Darts Open again to his nearest rival in Luke Littler. But despite that he can look back at a pretty successful weekend that saw him go from shoulder injury concerns to reaching the final.
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Humphries had confirmed earlier in the weekend that he had to go back to his usual physio as a result of an issue that he has had and nearly had to pull out this weekend. While he said it still wasn't great, he acknowledged that the help had been hugely beneficial in even getting him to the oche this weekend.
The former world champion began the Czech Darts Open with an impressive victory over Beau Greaves. Humphries averaged just under 109 points per visit in that match, immediately setting the tone. The 31-year-old Englishman then went on to eliminate Andrew Gilding, William O'Connor and Gerwyn Price from the tournament.
Then came a certain thorn in the side aka Luke Littler. The World Number One eventually came out on top preventing Humphries from winning the title in Prague for the fourth time in his career. With his runner-up finish, 'Cool Hand Luke' did take home £15,000 in prize money “It’s been a great run for me, making four out of five finals,” conceded Humphries.
That makes his performance in Prague perhaps even more impressive, as Humphries had seriously considered withdrawing earlier this week. But of course now will be glad he stayed in contention. “I was going to pull out on Thursday, and I made the final, so I can’t be too upset with myself because I did really well."

Praise for the crowd

The world number two was also full of praise for the Czech crowd. Humphries clearly enjoys the atmosphere at the Czech Darts Open and has developed a special connection with the fans in Prague.
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“I’m happy that I’ve had a good run and come back to see these amazing people, the fans; they’re just amazing."
No doubt too part of the reason why he came back is due to the fact he had won three out of the last four and he called it his favourite European Tour unsurprisingly due to his dominance of late. "That’s why I’ll be here every year. It’s my favourite Euro Tour on the calendar. They’re so respectful, it’s amazing."
Luke Humphries lifts arms.
Humphries nearly didn't bother.
Although Littler ultimately won the final, Humphries certainly did not go down without a fight. The Englishman kept battling until the very end and also had to deal with several key moments in which Littler showed his class. According to Humphries, the world champion's 130 checkout was one such crucial moment.
“I never give up, especially in finals. I know that Luke is obviously going to throw everything at me - that 130 was a big shot.
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The battle between the two superstars at the top of the PDC Order of Merit set to become even more interesting over the coming months. Littler currently has the upper hand, but Humphries is determined to keep the pressure on his compatriot. “Hopefully over the next four months, I push him. If he does the clean sweep, he has to do it the hard way!”
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