Darts Champion Michael Smith Turns to Technology for Help as Arthritis Affects His Feet and Wrist

MICHAEL SMITH revealed he’s relying on MACHINES just to keep throwing at the oche.

‘Bully Boy’ booked his spot in the last 16 of the Grand Slam with a 5–2 victory over Alex Spellman on Monday night.

Michel Smith uploaded images of his recovery machines to social media Smith gives fans an insight to his recovery routine

Former World champion Smith battled through a raft of injuries, making it through qualifying just to be involved in the major event.

And Smith has admitted he’s had to completely rethink how he trains and recovers.

He said: “It was kind of a backdoor job.

“I should never have been here. I was at the qualifier moaning to Chizzy (Dave Chisnall), saying, ‘This is a tournament for winners and runners-up, we shouldn’t be playing qualifiers!’

“Then I got through and thought, ‘Yeah, we should be!’

“I’ve got machines on my feet, my wrist, and my shoulder.

“It’s literally like a plate that ices and heats at the same time. I do 20 minutes on each area, alternating between six degrees and 40 degrees, for over an hour every session.

“I’ve got to learn to do things differently now. I’m hoping it’s the start to a fresh beginning.

“It’s arthritis, it’s not going away. I’ve got arthritis in both feet and my wrist. I broke both wrists when I was 19. I’ve just got to grit my teeth and go through it.

“When I won the Worlds, I think my body just said, ‘You’ve finally done it, you can relax.’ And when I relaxed, that’s when the pain started.

Smith is struggling with arthritisCredit: PA

“Now it’s about getting to that level again. I want that second World Championship to catch up to Anderson and then go from there.”

Smith reckons he’s rediscovered his hunger for trophies and is relishing a clash with Chris Dobey in round two.

He added: “I remember when I wanted to quit darts at 19, and my brother brought me back, gave me that hunger again.

“This year’s been the same. Sitting out everything has given me the hunger back. I just want to fight again, play again, be back on the big stage.

“I’m sick of watching — Luke [Humphries] win everything! It’s annoying seeing his face every week now.

“Another Premier League player, I’ve just got to get on with it now.

“There’s no pressure. Playing Dobes will be tough, I’ve already played Luke and Nathan, so it’s another mate.

I’ve got machines on my feet, my wrist, and my shoulder.

Michael Smith

“It’s a longer format, so there’s a bit of leeway if I don’t start great, but I’ve got to hit the ground running, play well and give the crowd a good show.”

Two-time major winner Smith also opened up on the mental grind of stepping back into the spotlight after months away from the big stage.

He continued: “Going into Wigan last weekend, I didn’t care about the ProTours. I got beat every game, was fuming, saying I was quitting — but really, I didn’t care.

“It was all about that last day for the Grand Slam. When I hit the winning double against Krzysztof Ratajski, I gave it the big one and got told off. I said, ‘I’ve not been on TV for eight months!’

“I think everyone saw that day what it means to me. I’ve been playing since I was 15, joined the PDC at 17 — this is my 18th season.

“I’ve given half my life to this game. I’m not just going to quit and roll over. I’ve got to keep fighting.”