SMITH LIKELY TO MISS WORLD GRAND PRIX DUE TO INJURY

MICHAEL SMITH is in danger of missing the World Grand Prix and European Championship following a spate of injuries and illness issues. 

Former World Champion Smith has already withdrawn from the Players Championships 22 and 23 and European Tour 11 and 12. 

‘Bully Boy’ has been suffering from a barren spell since finishing as runner-up to Luke Littler at last year’s World Series of Darts Finals and has fallen to world No 21 in the process. 

Two-times major winner Smith failed to qualify for the World Matchplay for the first time since 2013 and saw his run of 60 consecutive appearances at televised ranked events ended. 

Darting Promotions released a statement on Smith with an injury update. 

They revealed: “We have become aware over the last few days of reports/comments on social media regarding Michael and his participation in events in the near future.  

“Ourselves and Michael would like to provide a short update on the injuries which have been affecting him in recent months and assure fans that he will be back fully fit very soon. 

“As you are all aware Michael has been suffering with arthritis in his right hand for a while and has recently developed a problem with his left foot/ankle.  

“After recent blood tests this has revealed certain answers and we are now hopeful that with a course of medication these problems can be controlled in the future. 

“As you will have seen Michael has withdrawn from this week’s events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder which was damaged at Christmas time.  

“This has been arranged for this week which unfortunately means he is unable to take part in the upcoming Pro Tours and European Tour qualifiers. 

“We feel this is now the right time to hopefully resolve the above issues and allow Michael to get back to his best and be back playing the way we all know he can.” 

In a post on social media at the end of January, Smith explained the issues he has had with arthritis since he was a teenager.

He said: “Feel like this is needed to be said as I’m annoyed seeing I’m finished or what’s happening it’s this or that.  

“The last 6 weeks I’ve had a grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every 2/3 days to help that but for 3/4 years I’ve been fighting something else.  

“I broke both my wrists when I was 19 and now it’s catching up with me and now suffering with arthritis to my right hand. 

“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I’ve never give up or stopped from any pain. 

“I played a world final with a broken hand. I made a UK Open final with a hole in my groin. I’ve won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle. 

“What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know. I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway so why not now.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.