Michael Smith reveals arthritis battle following World Masters defeat

Michael Smith, the former world darts champion from England, made a public announcement revealing his struggle with arthritis in his right hand. This revelation came shortly after his first-round defeat at the revamped World Masters, which took place on Thursday night. In his post, Smith expressed his frustrations regarding speculation about his declining performances. He acknowledged that his health issues had affected his game, including a recent grade two acromioclavicular shoulder injury that required frequent physiotherapy sessions. Smith discussed the history of his injuries that are now challenging his career, including the broken wrists he sustained at the age of 19, which have led to the arthritis condition he is currently facing. He shared that this deterioration in his hand health has been a persistent issue for the past three to four years. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that his announcement was not meant to evoke sympathy, but to clarify his situation and reassure fans that he has not given up. Following his remarkable victory at the 2023 World Darts Championship and the subsequent accolades, including a semi-final finish in the Premier League, Smith's decline in form has raised eyebrows. His absence from both the Premier League and World Series line-ups for the first time since 2021 added to the scrutiny surrounding him. The competitive world of professional darts places high physical demands on athletes, making injuries particularly damaging to their careers. Smith has played through significant pain in the past, including during important finals where he competed with a broken hand and an injury in his groin. Looking ahead, Smith is scheduled to see a specialist regarding his arthritis and shoulder injury, and he has stated his commitment to bounce back to form quickly. His message highlights the mental and physical resilience required to navigate the rigors of professional sports, particularly when dealing with chronic pain. Smith’s journey is emblematic of the struggle many athletes face balancing their competitive drive with the realities of physical limitations, and he promises to share updates as he receives further medical advice.