PETER WRIGHT was in tears over the kind Ally Pally words of gentleman Luke Humphries.
But the Scottish star has revealed the moment he also wept openly in front of concerned Michael van Gerwen, wondering if his time at the top was over.
Wright stunned the game with a vintage success to end Humphries' reign as champion.
It's been a hard recent road and, as he's slid down the rankings, there have been times of doubt.
He said: "I've sat in the Premier League the past two years getting battered by these guys and wondering why I'm here, why they picked me when I don't seem to perform. It's really strange and it's annoying.
"With Michael, I was in tears last year. He just said: 'You don't want to do it anymore, do you?' "I said 'I don't know. Maybe I don't, maybe I do, but I'm not going to give up and that's the main thing."
That desire and belief was displayed against Humphries.
The World No.1 had a pre-match nip at Snakebite, having taken exception to predictions made by the two-time king.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CERNY WON'T CHASE CZECH
VACLAV CERNY is shutting out the transfer noise to focus on giving Rangers fans reason to raise the roof.
Ketts liked the look of this Kai
Andrews Well in after show for Wales UI9s
WHAT A TON UP FOR THE BOOKS
Wright never dreamed he'd hit 100 after injuries
Dortmund may make Marc with United ace
MARCUS RASHFORD could be handed an escape route from his Manchester United nightmare by Borussia Dortmund.
Reds alert as Musk’s dad suggests Anfield interest
ELON MUSK'S father has claimed his son would be interested in buying Liverpool.
I'LL DRAW A LINE IN THE SANDE V CHAMPS
JORT VAN DER SANDE admits he's desperate to open his Dundee United account and knows there'd be no better way to do it than at Celtic Park.
HIP HIP HOWAY
Howe's heroes on course for Wembley after memorable win
Delight Down Under as legends team up
TENNIS legend Andy Murray held his first public session as Novak Djokovic's coach- and the signs are already positive.
Nurse tribunal in trans worker case will be heard in public
A NURSE who was suspended after she complained about a trans woman in a female changing room has beaten an attempt to have proceedings held in secret.
ISRAEL 'READY FOR LARGE-SCALE WAR'
ISRAEL'S military is on high alert amid warnings that Iran may be gearing up for a major attack.
