2023 World Champion Michael Smith ignored doctors’ orders to compete in the PDC Players Championships.
The St Helens native opened up about his injury woes in a heartfelt message to fans, aiming to explain his recent form and to combat the trolling he has been subjected to in recent months.
He states that his injuries have been the cause of his drop in form, as he must adapt to balance and throwing issues.
In an interview with Sky Sports Darts, he said;
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all into it. I’ve never given up or stopped from any pain.
“I’ll probably just say no to him [the doctor] and end up playing anyway.
“I just love to play darts.”
Smith was beaten by Belgian ace Kim Huybrechts 6-2 in a first-round tie in night 2 of the Players championships.
This follows an early exit against Dimitri Van Den Bergh in a narrow 6-4 result the previous evening in the same competition.
VAN DEN BERGH DEFIES SMITH!
Dimitri Van den Bergh sees off Michael Smith to get his Players Championship campaign underway!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8#PC1 pic.twitter.com/h7siP2Z6Mu
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 10, 2025
A surprise loss at the World Championships to Kevin Doets, 3-2 in set play, saw £485,000 worth of prize money fall from his rankings.
This has since helped in seeing him drop out of the top 10 in the PDC Order of Merit, where he currently sits in 20th.
Consequently, Smith missed out on a place in this year’s edition of the BetMGM Premier League, with his spot taken by fellow North West darting pro Stephen Bunting.
Recent form has seen ‘Bully Boy’ fall down the merit rankings dramatically, but he has promised fans and critics alike that this is not the end and he’ll be back stronger than ever.
Featured image: Taylor Lanning/PDC
