SMITH TARGETS PAIN-FREE WORLD CHAMP RETURN
04/12/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL SMITH says he is finally on course to play pain-free at the World Championship after receiving treatment on the injuries that have wrecked his season.
‘Bully Boy’s’ struggles were on full display at the Players Championship Finals, where he limped through his walk-on and hobbled at the oche before losing 6-4 to Martin Schindler in round one with an 86.07 average.
Two-time major winner Smith has battled arthritis as well as ongoing wrist, shoulder and foot issues which has seen him drop outside the top 16.
St Helens thrower Smith has now disclosed what the specialist found, including concerns over “excessive extra bone” building around his ankle.
But Smith admits the visit also gave him renewed optimism after understanding the full extent of the problem.
He wrote on Facebook: “Been to see the specialist today regarding my ankle and my arthritis and he confirmed it again that’s what it is, but from my X-rays he was concerned if I’d ever broken it because of the excessive extra bone growing around my ankle.
“But now for the Worlds as I’m sat in the car waiting for them to ring me for 2 injections for my ankle and wrist and maybe shoulder.
“So I should be skipping down the walk-on 😂😂😂 joking – didn’t skip as a kid and definitely not now lol.
“But to know I won’t be in all the pain like at Minehead and will be able to balance myself properly is a great feeling.
“So now get these done then straight to the sofa to rest then to the dartboard for pain-free sessions 😍😍😍.”
Former world champ Smith returns to action at Ally Pally on December 11 and will face women’s world matchplay winner Lisa Ashton in round one.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
