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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Michael Smith health update as former darts world champion forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournament
MICHAEL SMITH has been forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournaments amid ongoing health problems. The former world champion is set to miss Players Championships 22 and 23 and European Tour 11 and 12. Advertisement 1 Michael Smith is suffering from health issues Credit: Rex Smith has already been ruled out of the World Matchplay And it threatens to see him also miss the World Grand Prix and European Championship. Smith has arthritis in his throwing hand, problems with his foot and ankle as well as an ongoing shoulder injury. Darting Promotions said in a statement: "We have become aware over the last few days of reports/comments on social media regarding Michael and his participation in events in the near future. Advertisement READ MORE IN darts "Ourselves and Michael would like to provide a short update on the injuries which have been affecting him in recent months and assure fans that he will be back fully fit very soon. "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/ankle. "After recent blood tests this has 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 "As you will have seen Michael has withdrawn from this week's events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder which was damaged at Christmas time. Advertisement Most read in Darts "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. "We feel this is now the right time to hopefully resolve the above issues and allow Michael to get back to his best and be back playing the way we all know he can." Luke Littler sends Blackpool wild as he wins World Matchplay Darts Smith, 34, revealed in January that he has had arthritis issues since he was a teenager. He said: "Feel like this is needed to be said as I'm annoyed seeing I'm finished or what's happening it's this or that. Advertisement "The last 6 weeks I've had a grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every 2/3 days to help that but for 3/4 years I've 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. "This isn't sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I've never give 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've won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle. Advertisement "What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know. "I didn't say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn't picked anyway so why not now. "I see the specialist 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." Advertisement
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Michael Smith health update as former darts world champion forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournament
INJURY UPDATE Michael Smith health update as former darts world champion forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournament Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL SMITH has been forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournaments amid ongoing health problems. The former world champion is set to miss Players Championships 22 and 23 and European Tour 11 and 12. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Michael Smith is suffering from health issues Credit: Rex Smith has already been ruled out of the World Matchplay following a spate of injuries and illness issues. And it threatens to see him also miss the World Grand Prix and European Championship. Smith has arthritis in his throwing hand, problems with his foot and ankle as well as an ongoing shoulder injury. Darting Promotions said in a statement: "We have become aware over the last few days of reports/comments on social media regarding Michael and his participation in events in the near future. "Ourselves and Michael would like to provide a short update on the injuries which have been affecting him in recent months and assure fans that he will be back fully fit very soon. "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/ankle. "After recent blood tests this has 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. "We feel this is now the right time to hopefully resolve the above issues and allow Michael to get back to his best and be back playing the way we all know he can." Luke Littler sends Blackpool wild as he wins World Matchplay Darts Smith, 34, revealed in January that he has had arthritis issues since he was a teenager. He said: "Feel like this is needed to be said as I'm annoyed seeing I'm finished or what's happening it's this or that. "The last 6 weeks I've had a grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every 2/3 days to help that but for 3/4 years I've 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. "This isn't sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I've never give 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've won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle. "What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know. "I didn't say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn't picked anyway so why not now. "I see the specialist 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."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Luke Littler skipping event and makes cheeky joke after finding out where it is
LUKE LITTLER plans to take a short break from darts and is not tempted to make a trip into enemy territory this week. The Nuke won the £200,000 World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night and then marked the occasion by playing his Xbox computer until '3am or 4am'. Advertisement 5 Luke Littler celebrated his World Matchplay victory on Sunday night with girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 The Nuke cut a nonchalant figure when he hit a nine-darter in the World Matchplay semi-finals against Josh Rock. Credit: Getty The arrows will be left in his case now as he intends to 'chill out' at home in Warrington As he pointedly said: 'I can't wait to go home and back to normal reality.' It is a richly-deserved week off after managing to add another trophy to his superb CV. He celebrated lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time by posing for photos on stage with his parents, girlfriend Faith and management. Advertisement READ MORE DARTS NEWS People probably underestimate the mammoth effort it takes to win a darts major these days. Especially in hot and sweaty conditions at the historic Winter Gardens venue and given it was only his second tournament appearance. Given the physical and mental effort required, it is why he normally takes a week off after the top TV events and prefers to forgo the ProTour circuit, which is held behind-closed-doors. Best new sign-up offers SunSport exclusives William Hill : Claim your £60 in free bets - Betfred : Get £50 in free football bets - BetMGM : Get £40 in free bets to spend on football - talkSPORT BET: £30 in free bets are up for grabs - Tote : Grab your £40 welcome bonus - Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below! Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more. On Tuesday and Wednesday there are two Players Championships in the German city of Hildesheim. Advertisement Most read in Darts Yet there is ZERO chance he will play in them, even though the points would improve his ranking position ahead of the Players Championship Finals at Butlin's Minehead in late November. As it stands, he is ranked joint 11th on the 5 In his post-final press conference, Littler said he would return to the oche for World Series of Darts trips to Australia (August 8-9) and New Zealand (August 15-16). Advertisement One journalist asked the teen sensation: 'And then ProTour (on) Tuesday?' Littler feigned mock surprise and said: 'Is there? Is there?' Dave Allen, the PDC Head of Media, injected and said: 'It's in Germany .' Littler, who hails from Warrington, joked 'Is it?' before adding: 'Nah, nah. Maybe if it was Wigan. Maybe.' Advertisement It was all said in a funny fashion but it showed his intention not to play any events until he flies Down Under. Part of the reason why he would not have fancied a visit to Germany just now is the bad reaction he gets from the fans there. 5 Littler hit a tournament record 64 maximums in his five games last week 5 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 17, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters Advertisement When he played in the Berlin Premier League on April 3, he was booed by the German punters. It also happened during the German Darts Grand Prix over Easter in Munich when he was beaten in the semi-finals by Gian van Veen. After that event, emotion got the better of him and he posted on Instagram: 'Shouldn't of been in Munich but had to play anyway, next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.' Littler and Luke Humphries teamed up together to play for England at last month's Advertisement But they were dumped out of the quarter-finals 8-4 by the German pairing of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in Frankfurt. The reception they got was ear-splittingly noisy and winning in Germany is something Littler will have to overcome in the next few years, especially as the country is a powerhouse of the sport.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler skipping event and makes cheeky joke after finding out where it is
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER plans to take a short break from darts and is not tempted to make a trip into enemy territory this week. The Nuke won the £200,000 World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night and then marked the occasion by playing his Xbox computer until '3am or 4am'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Luke Littler celebrated his World Matchplay victory on Sunday night with girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 The Nuke cut a nonchalant figure when he hit a nine-darter in the World Matchplay semi-finals against Josh Rock. Credit: Getty The arrows will be left in his case now as he intends to 'chill out' at home in Warrington following his fifth major TV success in 15 months. As he pointedly said: 'I can't wait to go home and back to normal reality.' It is a richly-deserved week off after managing to add another trophy to his superb CV. He celebrated lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time by posing for photos on stage with his parents, girlfriend Faith and management. READ MORE DARTS NEWS DARTBREAK Darts power couple Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies split after four years People probably underestimate the mammoth effort it takes to win a darts major these days. Especially in hot and sweaty conditions at the historic Winter Gardens venue and given it was only his second tournament appearance. Given the physical and mental effort required, it is why he normally takes a week off after the top TV events and prefers to forgo the ProTour circuit, which is held behind-closed-doors. Best new sign-up offers SunSport exclusives William Hill: Claim your £60 in free bets - CLAIM HERE* Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets - CLAIM HERE* BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football - CLAIM HERE* talkSPORT BET: £30 in free bets are up for grabs - CLAIM HERE* Tote: Grab your £40 welcome bonus - CLAIM HERE* Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below! Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more. On Tuesday and Wednesday there are two Players Championships in the German city of Hildesheim. Yet there is ZERO chance he will play in them, even though the points would improve his ranking position ahead of the Players Championship Finals at Butlin's Minehead in late November. As it stands, he is ranked joint 11th on the ProTour money list with £132,500 against his name. 5 In his post-final press conference, Littler said he would return to the oche for World Series of Darts trips to Australia (August 8-9) and New Zealand (August 15-16). One journalist asked the teen sensation: 'And then ProTour (on) Tuesday?' Littler feigned mock surprise and said: 'Is there? Is there?' Dave Allen, the PDC Head of Media, injected and said: 'It's in Germany.' Littler, who hails from Warrington, joked 'Is it?' before adding: 'Nah, nah. Maybe if it was Wigan. Maybe.' It was all said in a funny fashion but it showed his intention not to play any events until he flies Down Under. Part of the reason why he would not have fancied a visit to Germany just now is the bad reaction he gets from the fans there. 5 Littler hit a tournament record 64 maximums in his five games last week 5 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 17, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters When he played in the Berlin Premier League on April 3, he was booed by the German punters. It also happened during the German Darts Grand Prix over Easter in Munich when he was beaten in the semi-finals by Gian van Veen. After that event, emotion got the better of him and he posted on Instagram: 'Shouldn't of been in Munich but had to play anyway, next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.' Littler and Luke Humphries teamed up together to play for England at last month's World Cup of Darts and were strong favourites to lift the team title. But they were dumped out of the quarter-finals 8-4 by the German pairing of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in Frankfurt. The reception they got was ear-splittingly noisy and winning in Germany is something Littler will have to overcome in the next few years, especially as the country is a powerhouse of the sport.
New York Post
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Inside look at ‘fascinating story' of how Ted Scott became Scottie Scheffler's caddie
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Ted Scott's amazing life as a PGA Tour caddie should serve as a poster for the popular X meme: How it started, how it's going. Let's begin with the How it's going portion of Scott's charmed life. He's been caddying for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler since 2021, contributing to a remarkable run of form that has produced 16 wins — including two Masters, one PGA Championship, two Players Championships and an Olympic gold medal. Based on those results and the customary player-caddie pay scale (winning caddie gets 10 percent of player earnings), Scott is believed to have earned some $10 million toting Scheffler's bag.
