Darts sensation Michael Smith recently shared details about his health struggles that have led to a decline in his rankings. Despite clinching the World Championship victory in 2023 by defeating Michael van Gerwen, Smith now finds himself ranked 21st globally. His absence from recent tournaments stems from various health issues affecting his shoulder, wrist, and foot, which he has now disclosed.

The 34-year-old, known as Bully Boy, has received a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in his shoulder, indicating that his body is deteriorating. While Smith remains optimistic about making a comeback to competitive darts at a high level, he is considering options such as injections and potentially surgery in the future.

In a recent interview with Online Darts, Smith expressed, “I got my MRI results for my shoulder. I’ve been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. The next step involves injections for my shoulder and wrist.” He acknowledged the possibility of shoulder replacement surgery down the line, emphasizing the significant impact it would have on his playing ability.

Smith also recounted his previous struggles with foot pain, which have yet to be accurately diagnosed. He described experiencing swelling and discomfort, leading to concerns about arthritis in his foot. These ongoing health challenges have affected his performance, resulting in his recent failure to qualify for the World Matchplay for the first time in nearly a decade.

Despite his setbacks, Smith remains determined to regain consistency in his game, attributing his recent performance issues more to mental worries than physical limitations. He acknowledged the need to address his concerns and focus on improving his mindset to overcome the challenges posed by his health conditions.

In other news, Sky has announced a significant discount on its Essential TV and Sky Sports package for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering members substantial savings and access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, showcasing an increase in coverage compared to previous years.