Smith fears injury hell has changed his throwing action

MICHAEL SMITH has been left concerned his throwing action has changed following months of injury struggles.

The world No36 reached the third round of just his FIFTH European Tour event of the season at the Swiss Darts Trophy before suffering a 6-3 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode on Sunday.

Smith, 36, has endured a nightmare few years since winning the World Championship in 2023, battling chronic arthritis in his right throwing hand and both wrists.

The problems stem from fractures Smith suffered at the age of 19, while he has also struggled with a Grade 2 acromioclavicular (AC) joint shoulder injury.

The shoulder problem has required scans, treatment and ongoing management following an accident involving his scooter and a fall while playing with his children.

Smith has since tumbled out of the world’s top 32 and is on course to endure his first season without reaching a major quarter-final since 2013.

Pundit Dan Dawson believes the St Helens star's injury struggles could be affecting the mechanics of his throw.

He said: “Michael Smith was talking yesterday prior to his game about how he is concerned that his throw has changed a bit.

“He’s throwing from a slightly lower starting position. It’s about that elbow dropping. I hadn’t really picked up on it.

“It will be a small change if it is, but he might have something there. That arm back in the World Championship-winning times, maybe it was a little higher.

“But when you have had such significant damage done to that shoulder, it might not be a surprise that something has changed there.

“The throwing action looks good, but obviously if it is coming from a lower position, then everything has to change slightly.

“Now, I don’t know if that is right or not, but I do know that is on his mind.”

Co-commentator Dan McCarthy later compared Smith's situation to three-time world champ Michael van Gerwen, whose action has changed considerably over the years amid his own issues.

He added: “It still looks pretty smooth. But if you are going to have injury problems the biomechanics are probably going to change.

“Look at [Michael] Van Gerwen. The way his throw has changed from ten years ago. It’s almost unrecognisable because of the wrist issues he’s had.

“It’s exactly the same with Michael Smith.”

Smith has admitted he is determined to put his recent struggles behind him and get his career back on track.

He said: “I’ve missed this. I want to apologise and also make a promise in 2027 I will be playing 100 percent of the tournaments.

“You will se me back.”

Image: Taylor Lanning