But egged on by a supportive family, shedding nearly four stone and finding a new mental fortitude, he stuck with it - a decision which ultimately paid off on the biggest stage last night.
Already a three-time major winner this season and world No1, he is now world champion, adding the Sid Waddell Trophy to his cabinet, as well as £500,000 to an already impressive bank balance.
The 28-year-old from Newbury was all too aware he was not the crowd favourite at Ally Pally last night. That role was unsurprisingly reserved for his 16-year-old opponent, Luke Littler, who has brought a new audience to the sport and record viewing figures in the past few days.
And Littler came mightily close to winning what prior to Christmas had seemed the unlikeliest of world titles.
He was, at one point, a dart away from going 5-2 clear of Humphries.
Denne historien er fra January 04, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra January 04, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
