Luke Humphries opens up on family health scare after leaving opponent Joe Cullen in tears at World Championships

LUKE HUMPHRIES survived a late-night scare – and then revealed his own family’s health scare.

The last game of darts in 2023 was one of the best as Humphries, who was 2-0 and 3-2 down, survived two match darts to knock out Joe Cullen from the fourth round.

This Saturday-night thriller, which Cool Hand Luke won 4-3, went to a sudden-death, 11th leg in the seventh set and was concluded close to midnight.

There were lots of thrills and spills and heart-stopping moments and both players were left exhausted – Rock Star even left the stage in tears.

Three-time major winner Humphries fought back from the brink once again and nailed it on his TENTH match dart.

Humphries, who tackles Dave Chisnall last up on Monday, said: “That was definitely one of the best games I’ve been involved with in my career.

“The year has been great – I think that’s what 2023 deserved. A fantastic game. It was an epic. A pleasure to be part of it.

“That grit and determination keeps coming on and growing. But if I don’t start getting into leads, and I keep falling behind, then I will be found out.

“If I let Chizzy have a 2-0 or 3-0 lead, then he will wipe the floor with me.

“Joe was so unlucky his darts didn’t fall in. Those weren’t bottled darts. They were very close. I feel very fortunate to have got through.”

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Sponsors Paddy Power are donating £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 thrown in the 16-day tournament – and they will present the leading maximum man with a special Ballon d’Art trophy.

There have been 751 180s hit so far in this event, which means the bookies will donate a minimum £751,000 so far to the charitable cause.

It is all part of THE BIG 180 campaign, which wants middle-aged men to check out online their risk for the disease.

Humphries, 28, said: “This charity is very close to my heart. My girlfriend’s dad had a scare recently. He was very, very lucky.

“He was honest about it and wants to share his story about how lucky he was. He caught it in time. These things need awareness raised.

“Paddy Power have been fantastic with the recognition.

“What they are donating is amazing. Hopefully we can reach a million pounds by the time the world final is played. Darts is just a game. Life is more important.”