SMITH CONFESSES TO NERVES AND FEELING LIKE A NEWBIE
06/04/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL SMITH admits he feels “nervous” and like a “newbie” on stage.
Bully Boy defeated Niko Springer 6-4 to enter the quarter-final of the German Darts Grand Prix, producing a solid display that included a 91.68 average and two ton-plus finishes.
The St Helens thrower revealed he is still struggling to feel comfortable back in the big arenas after a difficult spell with injuries and arthritis.
Smith has not tasted glory since April 2023 on the Euro Tour and is now bidding to get back to his best.
He said: “I’m really pleased with the win, but I am just so nervous it is unreal. It feels like I am a newbie up on stage.
“I am trying to force, push and pull everything in. Niko did not play well then and I had a couple of good finishes — the 105 and 120 — when he is sat on a double.
“Like every other game, I have been there to take my chances and I did that tonight as well.
“Being 4-0 up, you don’t want to take your foot off the brake and I know people are lying when they say they never do.
“Now I am into the last session. I said to myself it is time to roll back the years. You have three hours to make a name for yourself and let’s see where it goes from there.
“I know I can play well with what I am doing backstage. It’s just here, the minute I am on the oche and he shouts ‘game on’.
“It’s like I say, I feel like a newbie. But it is coming back slowly and not as quickly as I wanted it to.
“I am playing Ratajski tonight and I need to be on it. Look at his face, he is ready to kill you and I know he is like that on the dartboard as well.”
World No.31 Smith boasts undeniable pedigree, having landed the Grand Slam and World Championship titles just three years ago.
Smith is chasing his 18th ProTour crown in Munich as he looks to add another chapter to his incredible career.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
