HURRELL REVEALS HEALTH BATTLE AFTER HOSPITAL SPELL
30/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
JAMES HURRELL revealed he spent ten days in hospital with pancreatitis.
The Hillbilly had not played since the Austrian Darts Open, where Niels Zonneveld edged a deciding-leg thriller 6-5 after pinning a stunning 135 checkout in round one.
World No.51 Hurrell later withdrew from Players Championship events 15 to 17 as he dealt with the health issue.
Hurrell admitted he is still working his way back to full strength after being struck down by the serious illness.
He said: “I was in hospital for ten days with pancreatitis, it was playing up.
“It was after Austria and then I went into hospital on the Monday so I am just trying to get my energy back.
“It’s my first tournament since coming back out of hospital.”
Hurrell admitted his dramatic defeat in Graz was tough to take after producing a strong display.
He added: “It was very frustrating in [Graz] because I played quite well to be honest and the 135 killed me at the end to be honest.
“Now I don’t expect nothing, it is just a free hit after coming back out of hospital.”
Hurrell suffered another early exit in Germany after averaging just 86.09 in a 6-3 defeat to Sebastian Bialecki in round one of the Baltic Sea Open.
The Oxford thrower has made a steady start to the season, reaching the fourth round at three ProTour events.
Hurrell also enjoyed a run to the fourth round of the World Championship before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Ryan Searle.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
