"I can now practice 3/4 hours pain free" - A jubilant Michael Smith offers hugely positive news amid recent injury woes

Michael Smith has shared some positive news regarding the ongoing pain issues he has stumbled upon while playing darts, unveiling that he is now pain free while practicing for a lengthy amount of time.

The 2023 world champion was on top of the world, having defeated Michael van Gerwen in a phenomenal final. He climbed to the world number one spot and was destined for a period at the pinnacle of darts competing for all the major events on a regular basis.

Except that did not happen. Hs form slowly fell away as he struggled to find his best form on the oche. A large part of this was due to injury problems he was consistently dealing with. He has had arthritis in his right wrist which was caused when he broke both of his wrists when 19-years-old. He is also dealing with a Grade 2 acromioclavicular joint injury that required physiotherapy and a reoccurring ankle issue that has caused him pain when walking.

He has tried to play through these, but it has taken its toll. After dropping outside the world's top 16 at the start of 2025, he has continued to be a shadow of his former self, failing to qualify for some huge events including the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championship.

Now ranked at world number 32, he will be hoping for a rejuvenated 2026 where he climbs back up the order and gets back to the darts player that many people remember.

He has had a hugely positive update on this, with him sharing the news on his Instagram page. "No better feeling coming in here now knowing I can now practice 3/4 hours pain free and even better I’m not looking for my mark and that I have the oche," he wrote.

'Bully Boy' has regularly offered updates on his darting setup in his house, with the new acquisition of a proper oche rather than a mark on the floor also very useful.

It seems that the technologies and effort put in to solve these injury woes are paying off. Fans will be expectant of Smith to perform near to his best again, with his talent undeniable. He will hope that it can crop up sooner than later with a whole host of events coming up on the horizon. This includes the start to the Pro Tour and Euro Tour events, along with a couple of majors in the form of the Winmau World Masters and UK Open.