Michael Smith has revealed that he is suffering from arthritis in his right hand (Image: GETTY)
has revealed that he has been playing through the pain of arthritis and other injuries following his exit in the opening round of the Winmau World Masters.
The former world champion was dumped out by Danny Noppert in his first match on Thursday, slipping to a 3-1 loss. Last month, he suffered an early exit from the with Kevin Doets beating him in the second round.
After his defeat to Noppert, Smith released an emotional statement on in which he revealed that he has been battling a significant shoulder injury in addition to arthritis.
He explained that he felt compelled to open up on his injury struggles after being left frustrated by comments writing him off as ‘finished’.
The 34-year-old was dumped out of the Winmau World Masters in the opening round (Image: GETTY)
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He wrote: “Feel like this needed to be said as I am annoyed seeing ‘I’m finished’ or what’s happening is this or that. 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.”
Smith has failed to get past the fourth round of the World Darts Championship in either of the last two years, while he will also be absent from this year’s for the first time since 2021.
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help,” he added. “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.
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“I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing [a place in] the or losing World Series, but I was not picked anyway so why not now?”
Smith revealed that he is due to see an injury specialist on Monday, promising to let his fans know as soon as he receives any further news.
“I see the specialist on Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so,” he said. “I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very VERY quickly.”
Smith has tumbled down the rankings since winning his only world title in 2023, with the 34-year-old currently in 16th place. Only time will tell if he can restore former glories by putting his injury problems to bed in the near future.