"Can’t stand him as a player": Michael Smith names a surprising figure as the toughest opponent of his career

PDC
Monday, 10 August 2026 at 17:04
Michael Smith heads off dejected
Michael Smith has named a surprising opponent when asked which player he found the hardest to play against during his career. It was not because of his scoring power or strong finishing, but because of his extremely slow playing style. According to the former world champion, nobody was more frustrating to face than Mensur Suljovic.
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The now 35-year-old faced the Austrian 23 times in total on the PDC circuit. Suljovic won 13 of those encounters, giving him a positive head-to-head record against Smith. Their meeting at the 2015 Players Championship Finals in particular remains fresh in Smith's memory. Suljovic won convincingly 10-3 to reach the third round.
“Mensur Suljovic, Players Championship. Even the crowd got on his back because he was booed so much with how slow he was being," said Suljovic to Shot Darts.
“He knows what he is doing. He is doing it on purpose. But I love Mensur as a guy, can’t stand him as a player.”

Hotel room above all else

Alongside his candid assessment of Suljovic, Smith also revealed how he prepares for matches during multi-day tournaments. While some players train, relax or explore their surroundings, 'Bully Boy' mainly opts for as much rest as possible.
His matchday routine is remarkably simple. "Sleeping. Especially if I am travelling and on the road, I literally use that time to stay in bed. Five hours before I’m due to play is when I get out of bed. Shower, and then I get into the venue four hours before.
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When he stays in a hotel for several days, little changes. “If I’m in a hotel for three days, I will be in bed for two and a half. Definitely horizontal and asleep.”
Michael Smith looks on.
Michael Smith sees Suljovic as the worst.
Smith was also asked which leg he believes is the best ever. For the Englishman, there is no doubt. He immediately points to the leg from the 2023 World Championship final against Michael van Gerwen, in which he spectacularly hit a nine-darter.
That leg is often compared with Luke Littler's sensational perfect leg against Josh Rock at last year's World Matchplay, when both players remained flawless until Littler completed the nine-darter. However, Smith still considers his own moment to be more impressive.
“The world final. The other debate with the Luke [Littler] and Josh [Rock] one. I’ve been involved in that leg so many times.
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According to Smith, it is the context that makes his nine-darter unrivalled. “The back-to-back 180s and then someone hitting it without you having a go.
“But for Michael [van Gerwen] to miss the D12 and then me hold my drink moment. Show him how to do it will never be topped.”
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