Latest news with #EuropeanTour
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Michael Smith health update issued as ex-world champ forced to pull out of tournaments
Michael Smith has struggled for form this year and has now announced he will be taking a break from darts to undergo laser eye surgery in a bid to return to his world-winning best Former PDC world champion Michael Smith has revealed he's stepping away from darts temporarily to receive laser eye surgery. The 34-year-old, who memorably defeated Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace in 2023, has endured a difficult campaign this year. Back in January, he disclosed he was grappling with arthritis in his right hand. The Bully Boy has since tumbled to No. 21 globally and missed out on World Matchplay qualification in Blackpool for the first time in 12 years. His representatives, Darting Promotions Limited, have now issued a health update following his withdrawal from several forthcoming competitions. "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," they confirmed. "After recent blood tests, these have 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 "As you will have seen, Michael has withdrawn from this week's events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder, which was damaged at Christmas time.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." The firm added that Smith remained optimistic he could 'resolve' these concerns and return to peak performance. He posted the statement on social media himself and revealed crucial additional details. "And get my eyes lasered in there also," he remarked. "I hope you will all understand. But I promise I'll be back and firing again few hiccups won't ruin me. I've proved that time and time again." Smith included muscle and heart emojis in his update, indicating perhaps that his aim is to bounce back from this setback stronger and pursue more PDC titles. While he didn't specify the date for the surgery, it's common advice for athletes in non-contact sports to take a brief hiatus post-procedure before getting back into the game, reports the Express. The ex- world No. 1 and world title holder hasn't clinched a PDC title since his victory at Ally Pally, but he did team up with Luke Humphries to secure a World Cup of Darts victory for Team England in Frankfurt last year. Since then, he has really struggled to make an impact in big tournaments, and his Matchplay miss epitomised the drop-off he has sadly endured. He last played on the Pro Tour on July 9, losing to Frenchman Thibault Tricole, but it now seems as though fans will have to wait quite some time before the Bully Boy steps up to the oche once more.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Get up off your a**e' – Luke Littler reveals James Wade advice and what he said straight after winning World Matchplay
LUKE LITTLER has revealed what James Wade said to him after he won the World Matchplay title. The Warrington thrower completed the sport's triple crown as 3 Luke Littler won the World Matchplay title Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 He had been taking advice from rival James Wade Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw He has benefited from some extra practice sessions from the oche with his impressive form. The darts star has revealed that Wade told him to "get off his a**e". He told READ MORE ON DARTS "He literally told me, 'Get up off your a**e and practice with me. 121.' Alright, James." Littler also revealed what Wade said to him after their final at the World Matchplay. The pair were pictured chatting on the stage after Littler added: "He said, 'Well played, brilliant tournament and well done to you'. Most read in Darts SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN "He's definitely got a lot better since the UK Open. "Obviously, I had it my way in Minehead, and he had his in the first five legs, and then I got myself back in it and picked up the trophy." Luke Littler hits sensational nine-darter to send Blackpool darts crowd wild The triumph in Blackpool was the first time Littler had lifted a trophy since March. It also saw him pocket a tidy £200,000 in prize money. The previous success was when he won the season's first European Tour event. However, he has had fewer chances as he 3 Littler had also been competing in Premier League Darts, which ran for 16 weeks. Wade will be aiming to qualify for the tournament next year, having failed to be selected for it since 2022. He
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Get up off your a**e' – Luke Littler reveals James Wade advice and what he said straight after winning World Matchplay
GOOD LUK 'Get up off your a**e' – Luke Littler reveals James Wade advice and what he said straight after winning World Matchplay Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER has revealed what James Wade said to him after he won the World Matchplay title. The Warrington thrower completed the sport's triple crown as he triumphed over Wade 18-13 in Blackpool. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Luke Littler won the World Matchplay title Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 He had been taking advice from rival James Wade Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! Littler, 18, lifted the Phil Taylor trophy for the first time as he continued his remarkable rise to the top of darts. He has benefited from some extra practice sessions from the oche with his impressive form. The darts star has revealed that Wade told him to "get off his a**e". He told TungstenTales: "We practised tonight, we've done a lot of 121 to 170 checkouts. READ MORE ON DARTS THE BIG FISH Littler takes part in fishing competition as Hearn rides mechanic bull "He literally told me, 'Get up off your a**e and practice with me. 121.' Alright, James." Littler also revealed what Wade said to him after their final at the World Matchplay. The pair were pictured chatting on the stage after Littler threw the winning darts. Littler added: "He said, 'Well played, brilliant tournament and well done to you'. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN "He's definitely got a lot better since the UK Open. "Obviously, I had it my way in Minehead, and he had his in the first five legs, and then I got myself back in it and picked up the trophy." Luke Littler hits sensational nine-darter to send Blackpool darts crowd wild The triumph in Blackpool was the first time Littler had lifted a trophy since March. It also saw him pocket a tidy £200,000 in prize money. The previous success was when he won the season's first European Tour event. However, he has had fewer chances as he opted out of multiple Players Championship events and some European Tour dates. 3 Littler had also been competing in Premier League Darts, which ran for 16 weeks. Wade will be aiming to qualify for the tournament next year, having failed to be selected for it since 2022. He did break etiquette after the World Matchplay final as he did not receive his runners-up trophy on stage.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Get up off your a**e' – Luke Littler reveals James Wade advice and what he said straight after winning World Matchplay
LUKE LITTLER has revealed what James Wade said to him after he won the World Matchplay title. The Warrington thrower completed the sport's triple crown as he triumphed over Wade 18-13 in Blackpool. 2 2 Littler, 18, lifted the Phil Taylor trophy for the first time as he continued his remarkable rise to the top of darts. He has benefited from some extra practice sessions from the oche with his impressive form. The darts star has revealed that Wade told him to "get off his a**e". He told TungstenTales: "We practised tonight, we've done a lot of 121 to 170 checkouts. "He literally told me, 'Get up off your a**e and practice with me. 121.' Alright, James." Littler also revealed what Wade said to him after their final at the World Matchplay. The pair were pictured chatting on the stage after Littler threw the winning darts. Littler added: "He said, 'Well played, brilliant tournament and well done to you'. "He's definitely got a lot better since the UK Open. "Obviously, I had it my way in Minehead, and he had his in the first five legs, and then I got myself back in it and picked up the trophy." Luke Littler hits sensational nine-darter to send Blackpool darts crowd wild The triumph in Blackpool was the first time Littler had lifted a trophy since March. It also saw him pocket a tidy £200,000 in prize money. The previous success was when he won the season's first European Tour event. However, he has had fewer chances as he opted out of multiple Players Championship events and some European Tour dates. Littler had also been competing in Premier League Darts, which ran for 16 weeks. Wade will be aiming to qualify for the tournament next year, having failed to be selected for it since 2022. He did break etiquette after the World Matchplay final as he did not receive his runners-up trophy on stage.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Champions League winner and football royalty joined by Scotland icon at grand opening of Donald Trump's new golf course
PREMIER LEAGUE icons Andriy Shevchenko and Gianfranco Zola are being joined by local hero Jim Leighton in the full list of VIPs taking part at the grand opening of the new Trump international golf course this morning. As you might expect US President Donald Trump gets things under way at 10.45am - with his four ball including his son Eric - alongside two men you might know best these days from SkySports' golf commentary team, Rich Beem and Paul McGinley. Advertisement 6 The scene at the new Trump North Sea Links course near Balmedie 6 US President Donald Trump reacts as he plays golf at the Trump Turnberry Credit: AFP 6 The full list of four balls at the venue this morning Irishman McGinley, of course, was also a four-time title winner on the European Tour and a winning Ryder Cup captain in 2014. They're in the first fourball of the day - then it's the turn of two heroes from football , Aberdeen Gothenburg great and Scotland legend Jim Leighton and Liverpool star Robbie Fowler. Then at 11.12am, it's the turn of former Chelsea duo Gianfranco Zola and Andriy Shevchenko. The Ukrainian - who won the Champions League with AC Milan - and the Italian are joined by Scottish golf hero Stephen Gallagher and ambassador Warren Stephens, who is the current US ambassador to the UK . Advertisement Other golf stars taking part in the event include Kiwi Michael Campbell, Finland's Jarmo Sandelin and France 's Jean van de Velde, who memorably lost a three-shot lead on the last at the Open at Canoustie back in 1999, when he ended up in his bare feet in the Barry Burn. The ex-pros and the celebrities were spotted using the practice range this morning with Don't You Want Me by the Human League being played over the Tannoy. A huge saltire fluttered in the wind alongside the Stars and Stripes - and there was a whiff of manure after a wind direction change too. Spanning hundreds of acres of rugged coastal terrain, the brand new, 18-hole links course at Trump Scotland in Aberdeenshire promises an exceptional golfing experience with dramatic views of the North Sea. Advertisement Most read in Golf Featuring the world's largest natural bunker, mountainous sand dunes, and infinity greens hugging the coastal dune ridge, the new Trump North Sea Links course at Balmedie is designed to complement the existing Trump International championship links course. While controversial politically at its birth, the Trump International has received worldwide acclaim and is ranked among the 'Top 100 Courses in the World' by Golf Digest. Donald Trump tees off at luxury Turnberry course during Scots visit The US president spent yesterday at hit other resort in Scotland, Trump Turnberry - where he slammed windfarms as "ugly monsters" and pleaded for more North Sea oil and gas drilling - just hours before a meeting with the First Minister. The US President also poured cold water on John Swinney's fresh push for a second independence referendum while rooting for Scotland to "do well" due to his late mum's Isle of Lewis roots. Advertisement He suggested that now was too soon for another vote on separation during a press conference at his Turnberry golf club in Ayrshire alongside Sir Keir Starmer. The SNP chief earlier claimed a Nats majority of MSPs at next May's Holyrood election could be the "springboard" for Scotland "taking charge of our own destiny". 6 Portrait of Andrei Shevchenko Credit: Getty 6 Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola in his pomp at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Jim Leighton was a massive hero for Scotland, Aberdeen and Man Utd Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
