Michael Smith suffering from arthritis as darts champion makes statement on injury hell
Michael Smith suffering from arthritis as darts champion makes statement on injury hell
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Darts ace Michael Smith has bravely opened up about dealing with arthritis and other injuries after exiting the Winmau World Masters in the first round. The former darts world champion took an unexpected fall against Danny Noppert on Thursday. He crashed out of the competition following a 3-1 defeat to 'The Freeze', though not for reasons completely within his control. It was only weeks ago that Smith faced disappointment at the World Darts Championship when Kevin Doets knocked him out in the second round. And 'Bully Boy' poured his heart out on X (via the Daily Express) after the result, confessing to his struggle with a severe shoulder injury and ongoing battle with arthritis.
"Feel like this needed to be said as I am annoyed seeing 'I'm finished' or what's happening is this or that," read the 34-year-old's post. "The last six weeks I have had a Grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every two to three days to help that. "But for three to four years I have 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.".
The darts star has unfortunately not progressed beyond the fourth round at the World Darts Championship in his last two attempts. And he's also set to miss the Premier League for the first time since 2021. "This isn't sympathy or a cry for help," he continued. "This is letting you all in on it. I have never given 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 have won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle. What this statement means is me opening up and letting you all know. I didn't say earlier as I was scared of losing [a place in] the Premier League or losing World Series, but I was not picked anyway so why not now?". Smith also shared that a visit to an injury specialist was on the books for Monday, committing to update his supporters post-consultation: "I see the specialist on Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so. I'll never let anything beat me and I promise I'll be back very VERY quickly.".
