Darts Pro Michael Smith Breaks Down in Bed After Tough Year Ahead of Key Grand Slam Comeback

MICHAEL SMITH confesses he was “crying in bed” just days prior to making a significant return to the prominent TV stage in the Grand Slam.

The former world champion advanced through the last chance qualifiers on Friday to enter the major title event in Wolverhampton, which begins on Saturday (Nov 8).

Michael Smith has faced injuries during a challenging personal yearCredit: Getty He has persevered and qualified for the Wolverhampton SlamCredit: Getty

He disclosed in late January that he was dealing with arthritis and struggling with wrist, shoulder, and foot injuries.

‘Bully Boy’ was not selected for the Premier League, and he missed the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.

However, this marks a vital return to Wolverhampton for the Slam, the venue of his first major title on the path to becoming the world champion in 2023.

He stated: “You cannot comprehend the relief I felt today while playing these matches.

“From three weeks ago, crying in bed because I couldn't walk, to winning the qualifiers today felt surreal.

“I don’t display what I’ve been doing in practice, but some of my game came through, and my emotions certainly did, which is why I got told off, haha.”

Smith has also experienced FOURTEEN first-round exits on the ProTour this season and is on track to finish the year without a title for the first time since 2019.

Nevertheless, Smith asserts he still has a lot of fight left in him and responded to those who are writing him off.

The former World Champion emphasizes that his current focus is on returning to the World ChampionshipCredit: Getty

He told Darts Corner: “I didn’t achieve the best results, but if you looked at my games, I had a couple of 96 averages and a 101 average.

“Even in one match I lost with a 96, I had a first-nine average of 124.

“So, it’s just the winning part that’s frustrating me now.

“For me, it’s about getting to the World Championship.

“All I need to do is win three or four games, and then I’m back in the top 10.

“For me, it’s about getting there, getting back on TV, and playing well — because I know I can do it.

“You have some former pros saying I’m finished, but they’ve tried and quit, becoming commentators.

“I’m only 35, so I have plenty of time to make a comeback.”

Two-time major winner Smith revealed he has been competing through pain all year, contending with wrist, shoulder, and foot injuries.

He added: “I’ve always had issues with my wrists, but ever since I won the Worlds, my body seems to have said, ‘You’ve done it now — just give up fighting the pain in your hand.’

“Then I had a few drinks on Day and fell off my kid’s scooter, injuring my shoulder.

“I thought it was just a grade two injury on my AC joint, but I found out I have severe osteoarthritis in my shoulder as well.

“So, I have problems with my right shoulder, right wrist, and left foot.

“It hasn’t been pleasant receiving steroid injections every three months and relying on painkillers daily.

“Now that I’m regaining my motivation for this, it’s still painful — but I’m just pushing it to the back of my mind, like I did before the Worlds.

“But it’s definitely not the best situation to be in.”