SMITH BACK ON TRACK TO REDISCOVER BEST FORM

By Aaron Nijjar

MICHAEL SMITH believes he’s turning the corner in his fight to rediscover top form.  

Former World champion Smith recorded a stunning 6-5 win over world No.1 Luke Humphries at the European Grand Prix. 

St Helens thrower Smith produced a whopping 106.53 average and landed a stellar 122 checkout to seal his first Euro Tour quarter-final appearance of the year.  

It marks a positive step forward for the two-time major winner after a rough patch both on and off the oche — including a public apology for breaking a dartboard in frustration after his round two bout in Sindelfingen. 

Smith admitted his performance wasn’t flawless against ‘Cool Hand’ but saw signs of improvement. 

He said: “I felt good but there were a few shots where I wasn’t properly at it and my darts were going in weird. 

“But that is a step in the right direction especially from yesterday when you saw what happened. 

“I had no pressure today. I’m playing the world number one and the best in the world. 

“I wanted to prove something to myself and after that first leg I go out in 10 and then 12 so I started to think to myself I actually might be able to do this.” 

‘Bully Boy’ revealed his mental strength played a key role in his clutch performance. 

He added: “When I was 5-4 up I thought it’s his darts so just have a go and see what happens. If not it’s always your throw the next one. 

“My last leg there a 12-darter out, there is not much more I could ask for. 

“You keep trying to tell yourself you’re a world champion and you can handle these situations. 

“The 140 followed by the 171 in the final leg was massive. 

“Then he hit the 162 — I thought ‘please don’t miss this 94 now because knowing Luke he will check it.’ 

“I just trusted myself, my instincts and ability. I went for the treble 18 and luckily the treble 20 went in and the double 8.” 

However, World Cup champion Smith was edged out 6-5 by Luke Woodhouse at the next hurdle. 

In the last 32, Smith had to dig deep against home favourite Daniel Klose as he came back from 5-2 down to pinch a thrilling 6-5 win. 

World No. 20 Smith said sorry for losing his cool after launching an arrow in anger at point blank range at the dartboard which took the number ring clean off following that clash. 

Despite the drama, he held his nerve to land six of ten doubles — sealing the win on double 10 and letting out a roar of relief. 

The 34-year-old has had a challenging 2025 so far and is still chasing his maiden ranking title.  

Smith has also been struggling to deal with arthritis in both of his hands and has been suffering with a shoulder injury after a painful 22mph e-scooter crash.    

However, this performance could be the spark that reignites ‘Bully Boy’s’ season — and he’ll be hoping it’s the start of something big.

Image by Taylor Lanning.