DARTS star Michael Smith has confirmed plans to step away from the sport after a spell of poor form and injuries.
The former world champion, 35, was beaten 6-0 by Rhys Griffin at Players Championship 24.
Michael Smith will take some time away from darts after a spell of poor form and injuries Credit: PA
He has not appeared a major since the world championships last year Credit: PA
has found it tough on the tour after failing to qualify for a number of major tournaments, including this month’s World Matchplay.
Bully Boy hasn’t appeared at a major since the world championships last December, when he lost 3-1 to Niels Zonneveld in the second round.
The St Helens thrower has been suffering with arthritis and swollen ankles and he now wants to focus on his family life for the time being.
In a statement on after his latest defeat, he wrote: “I’m not going to apologise like I normally do and say this and that.
“As my pride always gets in the way as I play this sport to put on a good show for the fans and prove points to my children.
“I’ve always played through the pain and just gone about it, but this time pride really got in the way after my injections on Thursday.
“I’ve completely ignored my body and rushed myself back after not touching the for 5 weeks instead of giving myself the break it needs and the work I need to put in.
“But this sport just makes me do stupid things because I love it so much. But I need to swallow this hard pill, get back on the practice board, focus on myself, and come back when I feel like I’m ready.
The 35-year-old won the world championships in 2023 but has been on the decline ever since Credit: AFP
“I won’t be playing the qualifiers tomorrow and won’t be playing Leverkusen on the weekend either.
“My kids break up Friday for 8 weeks, and I plan to spend a lot of time with them.
“Regain the happiness and confidence within myself. And a lot of practice, love you guys.”
Smith, who picked up his PDC tour card in 2011, won the world championships in 2023.
He beat 7-4 in the final to give him his biggest moments in darts.
But he is yet to win a major since, though he did lift the German Darts Grand Prix and the Bahrain Darts Masters in the same year.
In 2022 he won the Grand Slam of Darts during an impressive year that saw him also win the Dutch Darts Championship and reach the final of the UK Open and European Championship.
He recently reached a new low after last month with £301,500 in prize money.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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