World No 1 darts player Luke Humphries claimed victory at the prestigious US Masters in New York despite competing with a painful thumb injury sustained during his tournament entrance.
The defending world champion triumphed 8-6 over Nathan Aspinall in the final at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
His unusual injury occurred when an enthusiastic spectator grabbed and pulled back Humphries' throwing hand during his walk-on before his opening match against Stowe Buntz.
The incident left the Cheshire player's thumb severely swollen and affected his grip throughout the competition.
Luke Humphries has revealed he'll be getting an X-ray after a fan accidentally injured the darts star at the US Masters
GETTY
Despite the considerable discomfort, Humphries persevered through the World Series event to secure another major title for his growing collection of achievements.
"My thumb is incredibly swollen. It's hard to play through. I was struggling with the grip. I couldn't hold my thumb in the same position," Humphries revealed after his victory.
The incident happened when the fan yanked his hand backwards during his entrance, causing immediate pain to his throwing hand. The injury created significant challenges for the world No 1 throughout the tournament.
JUST IN:Emma Raducanu gives Carlos Alcaraz romance rumours direct response ahead of Wimbledon
🏆Chuffed to bits to come away from New York with the title!
— Luke Humphries (@lukeh180) June 29, 2025
It's another special one for me.
This is the one everyone wants on the World Series circuit, and I'm really happy to add it to my CV.
I was so determined to win, and @NathanAspi made it difficult for me, as I knew… pic.twitter.com/tGhbDrWKn7
"I don't want to make it all about that, I've won the title and I don't want it to be about me having an injury, but the guy when he pulled my hand back, he really hurt it," Humphries added.
The 29-year-old then confirmed he will require medical examination upon returning home.
"I'm going to have to go home and get it x-rayed," he said.
READ MORE:Wayne Rooney denies wife Coleen Rooney's wish after rejecting latest job offer
"I don't think it's broken as it doesn't hurt to squeeze it. I've got a couple of weeks off. Next time I play is two weeks away, so I've got plenty of time."
Humphries expressed his delight at capturing one of darts' most coveted prizes with a post on social media, having successfully added to his growing collection.
"Chuffed to bits to come away from New York with the title! It's another special one for me," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"This is the one everyone wants on the World Series circuit, and I'm really happy to add it to my CV."
Humphries showed remarkable determination in the championship match, refusing to let the injury derail his title ambitions.
"When I was in the final, I said to my family I'm going to give it everything," he revealed.
Luke Humphries was too strong for Nathan Aspinall at the US Darts Masters
GETTY
"If I injure my hand in the final, I don't care. I tried my best and it was good enough so really pleased. I wasn't at my best but I managed to win.
"I was so determined to win, and @NathanAspi made it difficult for me, as I knew he would. I'm so pleased to come out on top."
He also praised the atmosphere at the iconic venue, thanking the crowd for their support throughout the tournament.
Most Read
