Darts world was left buzzing after former world champion Michael Smith, known as ‘Bully Boy’, suffered a surprising defeat in a crucial qualifier. Following his 6-3 loss to Mickey Mansell, Smith didn’t hold back, publicly criticizing Mansell’s “slow tactics.” This defeat means Smith misses out on the prestigious Poland Darts Open and has also led him to withdraw from another major European event. Adding to his woes, Smith candidly shared his ongoing struggle with severe arthritis, which significantly impacts his ability to travel and compete, making the frustration with his opponent’s tactics even more profound.
Bully Boy’s Outburst: Smith Slams Mansell’s Pace
The darts community is used to Michael Smith’s explosive scoring, but this time, it was his explosive words that made headlines. After falling 6-3 to Mickey Mansell in the final round of the ET1 qualifier, Smith took to social media to express his clear displeasure with Mansell’s playing style.
Smith’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as excessively slow play from Mansell. He specifically called out the prolonged periods Mansell spent at the oche, stating, “Imagine doing that to win a game. Tinkerbell won’t come along and move your darts for you. No need to stand looking at the board for 15 seconds.” This strong reaction highlights the pressure and mental toll competitive darts can take, especially when players feel their rhythm is being deliberately disrupted.
A Setback for the Former World Champion
This loss is a significant blow for Smith, who has recently seen his world ranking drop to No. 32 following a period of injury struggles. Qualifying for the Poland Darts Open, set to begin on February 28, was a key target for ‘Bully Boy’ to regain momentum and climb back up the rankings. Unfortunately, his defeat by world No. 48 Mickey Mansell means he will not be heading to Krakow, while Mansell and several other qualifiers – including Cristo Reyes, Connor Scutt, Ritchie Edhouse, Adam Gawlas, Darryl Pilgrim, Jeffrey de Graaf, Thomas Lovely, Marvin Kraft, and Carl Sneyd – will compete.
The impact of this qualifier extends beyond the Poland Darts Open. Smith has also confirmed his withdrawal from ET2, meaning he will miss the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen, Germany, starting March 13. This further absence from the European Tour underscores the challenges Smith is currently facing, both on and off the oche.
Beyond the Oche: Smith’s Battle with Arthritis
Beneath the surface of competitive frustration lies a deeper, personal struggle for Michael Smith. The 2024 World Cup of Darts winner, alongside Luke Humphries, also used social media to shed light on the physical discomfort he endures, particularly when travelling for tournaments. Smith revealed he suffers from severe arthritis in his right hand and left foot.
This chronic condition makes the demands of professional darts incredibly challenging. Smith poignantly shared his internal conflict:
- “It’s annoying because I put myself through this to play the sport I love and it just infuriates me that I have to deal with tactics like that.”
- “It shouldn’t bother me but it does because it makes me question myself why do I bother to put up with pain and suffering to please everyone else over my health.”
- “This is what I have to deal with now for no doubt the rest of my life. And I know flying tomorrow will be bad again for another few days before it settles again.”
These heartfelt words offer a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices athletes make. For Smith, the added stress of perceived unsportsmanlike tactics seems to amplify his underlying physical pain, making him question the toll it takes on his well-being. His candidness serves as a powerful reminder that behind every dart thrown, there’s a human story of dedication, challenge, and often, unseen struggle.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
