Michael Smith health update issued as ex-world champ forced to pull out of tournaments

Former PDCworld champion Michael Smith has revealed he's stepping away from darts temporarily to receive laser eye surgery. The 34-year-old, who memorably defeated Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace in 2023, has endured a difficult campaign this year.

Back in January, he disclosed he was grappling with arthritis in his right hand. The Bully Boy has since tumbled to No. 21 globally and missed out on World Matchplay qualification in Blackpool for the first time in 12 years.

His representatives, Darting Promotions Limited, have now issued a health update following his withdrawal from several forthcoming competitions.

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"As you are all aware, Michael has been suffering with arthritis in his right hand for a while and has recently developed a problem with his left foot," they confirmed.

"After recent blood tests, these have revealed certain answers, and we are now hopeful that with a course of medication, these problems can be controlled in the future.

"As you will have seen, Michael has withdrawn from this week's events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder, which was damaged at Christmas time.

"This has been arranged for this week, which unfortunately means he is unable to take part in the upcoming Pro Tours and European Tour qualifiers."

The firm added that Smith remained optimistic he could 'resolve' these concerns and return to peak performance. He posted the statement on social media himself and revealed crucial additional details.

"And get my eyes lasered in there also," he remarked. "I hope you will all understand. But I promise I'll be back and firing again few hiccups won't ruin me. I've proved that time and time again."

Smith included muscle and heart emojis in his update, indicating perhaps that his aim is to bounce back from this setback stronger and pursue more PDC titles.

While he didn't specify the date for the surgery, it's common advice for athletes in non-contact sports to take a brief hiatus post-procedure before getting back into the game, reports the Express.

The ex-world No. 1 and world title holder hasn't clinched a PDC title since his victory at Ally Pally, but he did team up with Luke Humphries to secure a World Cup of Darts victory for Team England in Frankfurt last year.

Since then, he has really struggled to make an impact in big tournaments, and his Matchplay miss epitomised the drop-off he has sadly endured.

He last played on the Pro Tour on July 9, losing to Frenchman Thibault Tricole, but it now seems as though fans will have to wait quite some time before the Bully Boy steps up to the oche once more.