'Had 10 weeks out sitting and moaning': Michael Smith suffered injury after painful fall from e-scooter

Former world champion Michael Smith has indicated that his recovery from a series of injuries is progressing slowly but surely, but warns that it will still take time to fully regain his top form and match rhythm.

The 33-year-old has been struggling for months with arthritis in both hands and also suffered a painful shoulder injury after falling with an e-scooter. The physical problems have taken their toll. Smith has slipped to 20th place in the world rankings and is still chasing his first ranking title of 2025.

Although rehabilitation has been slow, Smith remains combative. "It’s getting there. I’ve still got the bone sticking out my shoulder," said Smith.

“My wrist is still not bending but a couple more injections and I will be fine.

Still, he admits that throwing darts remains a challenge for now. “It is a bit hard when I bend my wrist back to try and throw. But once the adrenaline kicks in during the middle of matches you kind of forget about that.

The Englishman had to stay on the sidelines for no less than ten weeks, during which he was completely disabled in his throwing hand and could not even touch an dart.

“It’s on the right track I just need to practice more and more.

“I had 10 weeks out literally sitting and moaning that I can’t throw darts. My first dart that I threw after the 10 weeks out I just missed the skirting board going for the treble 20!”