SMITH VOWS TO FIGHT THROUGH ARTHRITIS AGONY

MICHAEL SMITH admits he’s been through hell just to get back on the oche after arthritis left him bed-bound for seven weeks and barely able to throw a dart.

‘Bully Boy’ made his long-awaited return to action at the Grand Slam of Darts, beating Nathan Aspinall 5-3 in Wolverhampton – his first televised match since March.

The 2023 world champ has endured a nightmare year blighted by injuries and poor form, missing the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championship.

Smith opened up on the physical and mental toll of his battle with arthritis.

He said: “I originally did step away. I have arthritis in my right shoulder, right wrist, and right foot.

“I’m 35 and my body just quit. In my mind, I have never given up. There were days in June where I spent seven weeks in bed — my ankle was just huge, and I could not walk.

“Then, three weeks ago, it flared up again for two weeks. My shoulder is in constant pain.

“For my wrist, I have a machine now which I keep using on it.

“It’s not pain-free, but it is easier to throw. I just have to grit through my teeth and play through the pain.”

St Helens thrower Smith admits he’s only been on the practice board at home TEN times all year – a shocking sign of just how bad things got.

He added: “I need another fifteen points on what I’m averaging now to get back to my best.

“But I think I’ve seen the dartboard at home about ten times this year — just because I haven’t been able to walk or lift my right arm.

“Over the last week or so, I’ve started to get back on the board again and I’m starting to feel good.

“This is my first TV event back. For me, it’s just about going out, having some fun, and getting ready for the World Champs — no matter what happens now.”

Smith is determined to fight through the agony and end his year on a high.

He continued: “I’m a fighter. I’ll be back, don’t worry!

“I’ve always been a fighter, so to be back on stage and winning matches, that’s what means the most to me.

“Winning matches, that’s who I’m about, that’s Michael Smith, not sitting at home. Being on big stages listening to the crowds, that’s me.

“I just want to be competing. I’m sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments and I’m sat at home.

“To get up there, to win that match is a bit emotional and I’m just glad to get over the line.

“Nathan should have won that. I just hung in there and I got the job done in the end, and I’ll take the win.”

Two-times major winner Smith faces Luke Humphries next in Group A on Sunday after the world No1 dispatched Alex Spellman 5-0 at the WV Active Aldersley Leisure centre.

Image by Taylor Lanning.