The highly anticipated World Matchplay is set to begin this weekend at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, but fans will notice a significant absence: 2023 World Darts Championship champion Michael Smith. This marks the first time in 12 years that Smith will not participate in this prestigious event.
The World Matchplay is the third leg of the esteemed ‘Triple Crown,’ which also includes the Premier League and the World Championships. The tournament spans nine days and boasts an impressive prize fund of £200,000 for the winner. Only four players—Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries—have achieved the feat of winning all three titles. Notably, Humphries recently completed his collection after triumphing in the Premier League against Luke Littler earlier this year.
This year, both Littler and the legendary Raymond van Barneveld are vying to add their names to this elite group, with Littler kicking off his campaign against fellow Brit Ryan Searle on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, defending champion Humphries will face off against the talented Dutch player Gian van Veen. Other notable British competitors include James Wade, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, and Chris Dobey.
One of the biggest stories leading up to the tournament is Smith’s absence, a situation he has not faced since 2012. Following his remarkable victory over Michael van Gerwen at the World Championships—highlighted by one of the most memorable legs in darts history—Smith has struggled with performance issues.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, the 34-year-old revealed that he has been dealing with worsening arthritis in his wrists. “I’ve had it for a few years now,” Smith shared. “Initially, I thought the cold weather was to blame, but it has just gotten progressively worse.” He described the pain as constant, making it difficult to move his wrists, and mentioned that a recent visit to a specialist confirmed restrictions in his right wrist.
Despite his challenges, Smith remains determined to stay in the game. He emphasized that his struggles won’t force him into retirement, stating, “It doesn’t affect the amount of practice; I just have to break it up.” While he used to practice for several hours straight, he now manages shorter sessions with breaks in between, relying on painkillers to cope.
Unfortunately, Smith’s ranking has slipped, preventing him from securing a qualification spot for the World Matchplay. He fell out of the top 16 in the PDC Order of Merit and did not qualify through the Pro Tour Order of Merit either. His recent performance at the Players Championship, where he exited in the first round against Thibault Trickle, underscores the difficulties he’s faced. As a result, his world ranking has dropped to No. 21.
The World Matchplay kicks off on Saturday evening with an exciting all-English match between James Wade and Joe Cullen, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This tournament is not just an opportunity for glory; it underscores the prestige of professional darts and the fierce competition among the world’s best players.
