'He's in a real problem': Chris Mason foresees further issues for Michael Smith after missing World Matchplay

Michael Smith is under a lot of pressure now that he has failed to qualify for the World Matchplay. So says former pro and darts analyst Chris Mason. 'Bully Boy' will have to miss the tournament at the iconic Winter Gardens later this month for the first time since his debut there in 2013.

The current world number 20 thus sees an impressive streak of 60 consecutive participations in televised tournaments with ranking points coming to an end.

Two-time major-winner Smith has been struggling for some time with arthritis in both hands and has also been suffering from a shoulder injury sustained in a painful collision with an electric scooter. That combination of injuries has visibly affected his performance.

Mason, who knows Smith well from the circuit, admits it is hard to see the 34-year-old Englishman struggling like this. “He is an incredible talent and wonderful man. It is sad to see I have a lot of time for Michael," Mason said to TALKsport.

“It’s horrible to watch because there is nothing you can really do. With the problems with the arthritis if that’s limiting the time he can spend on the board then he is right up against it.

“I always say it in commentary, hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. But if the talent can’t work hard then you're blackballed.

According to Mason, Smith should do everything he can to get his injury fixed. “He’s in a real problem. First thing is to see all the specialists in the world to see if they can alleviate the pain in his hands. There’s loads of rubs and creams he can try.”

To secure entry into the World Matchplay in Blackpool last Wednesday, Smith needed to reach at least the semifinals at Players Championship 21 in Leicester. But in the opening round, he lost 6-4 to Frenchman Thibault Tricole.

It is another blow for the former world champion from St Helens, who already suffered a blow earlier this year when he was eliminated in the second round of the World Cup at Alexandra Palace. That resulted in a loss of £485,000 on his Order of Merit balance, dropping him out of the top 10 in the world rankings.

According to Mason, Smith is affected not only by his physical condition, but also by what he calls a "flawed ranking system," as well as the switch from dart manufacturer Unicorn to Shot Darts.

"I think it’s a culmination of many things a flawed ranking system which a fair few players have spoke about.

“It is unfair to lose that chunk of money in one go. You don’t become an outside of the top 16 player from a top five player overnight.

“I don’t believe those darts match up to his previous set," he added. I think they enter the board slightly different. He doesn’t seem as confident with them. I just think it is a culmination of all those factors of him missing out.”