SMITH OUT OF TOP 32 AS INJURY WOES TAKE THEIR TOLL
23/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL SMITH has dropped out of the PDC’s top 32 for the first time since 2013.
The former world champion has slipped to No.33 in the latest Order of Merit, completing a remarkable fall from the summit of the sport.
Bully Boy was world No.1 as recently as 2023 after capturing his maiden World Championship title at Alexandra Palace.
But a combination of ankle and wrist problems caused by arthritis has seen the St Helens star slide down the rankings over the past three years.
Smith, 35, currently has £304,500 on the two-year Order of Merit and sits 36th on the 2026 year-to-date rankings with £53,000 in earnings.
The two-time major winner opened up last month on the injury issues that have hampered both his performances and his ability to practise.
He wrote on social media: “Since I played pro tours in Milton Keynes and made the final my ankles haven’t been in a great place with constant swelling and being unable to walk for four/five days straight.
“Then after spending nine days in Germany, three flights and 13 hours on a train the problems have arisen again and to top it off an eye infection thrown in.
“So having cancelled my appointments twice for my cortisone injections I’ve decided I can’t cancel a third time as it really needs sorting.
“So I’m gutted to be saying I won’t be playing in Riesa this weekend so I can get to my appointment Friday and hopefully sort it out.”
Smith has shown flashes of his old brilliance this campaign, reaching the final of Players Championship 11 and making two Euro Tour quarter-finals.
However, results have been hard to come by since and he now faces a battle to force his way back into the world’s top 32 ahead of next month’s World Matchplay.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
