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Daily Mirror
9 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 "As you will have seen, Michael has withdrawn from this week's events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder, which was damaged at Christmas time.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
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 Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
‘I struggle' – Five-time darts world champion drops retirement hint and is ‘not sure how much longer I can keep going'
DARTBREAK The Dutchman previously announced plans to retire but then reversed his decision DARTS icon Raymond van Barneveld has announced his intention to gradually close out his playing days. The Dutchman has enjoyed a career which has so far spanned over 40 years. 2 2 During that time, Van Barneveld has accrued five World Darts Championship titles and established himself as one of the greats. But his time in the sport is coming to an end. Speaking to recently, the 58-year-old revealed that he intends to start winding down later this year. He said: "Of course, you want to make the Matchplay. But starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It's all becoming a bit too much." Van Barneveld suggested that he may reduce the amount of events he plays at starting in the near future. He continued: "Maybe cut back on the Pro Tours. I'll keep playing the Euro Tours as long as I'm in the top 16. But let's be honest, the schedule is madness — it barely leaves any time to rest." The Dutchman also admitted that he now finds it difficult keeping up with the physical demands of the tour. "I've been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it," he said. "When you're up there warming up and hear the crowd — it gives you an incredible feeling of pride. "But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn't always follow. That's the tough part. 'It's a little bit insane' - Raymond van Barneveld reveals what's going wrong for Michael van Gerwen at the moment "I do struggle with that. It takes a lot of mental energy. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going." Van Barneveld initially announced plans to retire after losing to Darin Young in the first round of the 2020 World Championship. However, just one year later, he reversed his decision and returned to the oche. Since then, the former World Champion has been competing regularly at events.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘I struggle' – Five-time darts world champion drops retirement hint and is ‘not sure how much longer I can keep going'
The Dutchman previously announced plans to retire but then reversed his decision DARTBREAK 'I struggle' – Five-time darts world champion drops retirement hint and is 'not sure how much longer I can keep going' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS icon Raymond van Barneveld has announced his intention to gradually close out his playing days. The Dutchman has enjoyed a career which has so far spanned over 40 years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Raymond van Barneveld has announced his plans to wind down from darts Credit: Getty 2 Van Barneveld admitted he sometimes struggles with the physical demands of the tour Credit: Rex During that time, Van Barneveld has accrued five World Darts Championship titles and established himself as one of the greats. But his time in the sport is coming to an end. Speaking to recently, the 58-year-old revealed that he intends to start winding down later this year. He said: "Of course, you want to make the Matchplay. But starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It's all becoming a bit too much." READ MORE IN DARTS CALLING IT A DAY One of darts' most recognisable voices makes retirement decision Van Barneveld suggested that he may reduce the amount of events he plays at starting in the near future. He continued: "Maybe cut back on the Pro Tours. I'll keep playing the Euro Tours as long as I'm in the top 16. But let's be honest, the schedule is madness — it barely leaves any time to rest." The Dutchman also admitted that he now finds it difficult keeping up with the physical demands of the tour. "I've been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it," he said. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "When you're up there warming up and hear the crowd — it gives you an incredible feeling of pride. "But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn't always follow. That's the tough part. 'It's a little bit insane' - Raymond van Barneveld reveals what's going wrong for Michael van Gerwen at the moment "I do struggle with that. It takes a lot of mental energy. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going." Van Barneveld initially announced plans to retire after losing to Darin Young in the first round of the 2020 World Championship. However, just one year later, he reversed his decision and returned to the oche. Since then, the former World Champion has been competing regularly at events.
