Michael Smith’s return to competitive darts at the Grand Slam in November marked a significant milestone in his battle against severe osteoarthritis. The former world champion, who defeated Nathan Aspinall in the group stage before losing to Luke Humphries, admitted he has seen the dartboard only 10 to 12 times this year due to the incurable condition affecting his ankle, right shoulder and right wrist.
Smith, who hit a nine-darter in the 2023 world final, revealed his ankle ballooned up before the Matchplay in June, leaving him unable to walk for seven weeks. To manage the pain, he relies on alternating ice and heat therapy, using a machine that cycles between six and 40 degrees Celsius. “It’s 20 minutes every session,” he said. “I do it on my wrist, then my shoulder, then my foot.”
Despite the challenges, the 35-year-old has never considered retirement. “I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months, then won my first ProTour within two weeks of getting them off,” he recalled in an emotional interview. “I’m a fighter. I’ll be back, don’t worry.”
Looking ahead to the PDC World Darts Championship, which begins on December 11 at Alexandra Palace, Smith is determined to make a strong impact. He faces Women’s World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton in the first round on the opening night, while Luke Littler begins his title defence against Darius Labanauskas. “I’m ready for it now,” Smith declared. “I’m ready to be competing again, to travel the world and be back in the biggest tournaments.”
