"Come back when I feel like I'm ready": Michael Smith set for darting break, won't play European Tour qualifiers or European Darts Open this week

Michael Smith was easily beaten by Rhys Griffin at Players Championship 24 and it seems like for 'Bully Boy' that the current season has taken its toll to the point that he is now set to take an extended period away from the sport.

Smith is in the position where he has to fight for his darting future and is not qualified for many majors including the World Matchplay which he has often been a staple at.

But such has been the injury pain he has had to go through that he has reached the point where he is set to stop for a short time. The former World Champion has had arthritis in his throwing hand, swollen ankles which see him unable to walk for multiple days and has often pulled out of events and qualifiers this season.

This now includes the European Tour qualifiers, which are due to take place tomorrow, as well as the European Darts Open this weekend.

Smith penned a statement on his Instagram which can be read below in which he said that his kids break up for the school holidays on Friday for eight weeks so he plans to spend time with them and practice.

This means that for now at the very least, he is taking an extended break away from the game to try and find his love for it again. He admitted that in the first place he came back too soon after recent injections and shouldn't have done.

He said that he is trying to prove a point to his fans and his kids and that it has got to the point now where it has become too much pain wise for him to continue especially after a chastening defeat like that.

"I’m not going to apologise like I normally do and say this and that. As my pride always gets in the way as I play this sport to put on a good show for the fans and prove points to my children. I’ve always played through the pain and just gone about it, but this time pride really got in the way after my injections on Thursday. I’ve completely ignored my body and rushed myself back after not touching the darts for 5 weeks instead of giving myself the break it needs and the work I need to put in.

"But this sport just makes me do stupid things because I love it so much. But I need to swallow this hard pill, get back on the practice board, focus on myself, and come back when I feel like I’m ready. I won’t be playing the qualifiers tomorrow and won’t be playing Leverkusen on the weekend either. My kids break up Friday for 8 weeks, and I plan to spend a lot of time with them. Regain the happiness and confidence within myself. And a lot of practice, love you guys