"I need to get back to playing in everything": Michael Smith admits passion and drive missing after achieving ultimate goal

Despite emerging as a comfortable winner in his opening-round tie at the New South Wales Darts Masters, Michael Smith was far from his best, averaging a modest 93. Post-match 'BullyBoy' admitted something has been missing since becoming world champion in January.

"I'm frustrated," Smith told Online Darts following the 6-2 win over Mal Cuming. "It was a good first leg then I thought I'm in for a good game here. But then he started hitting 41s and instead of keeping at a good game I just fell with him, that's the most annoying thing for me. When I got the break to go 5-2 I just thought 'I can't be bothered now' and give it one big push."

Next up for the world champion and world number one will be Peter Wright, who himself has struggled to find his top form of late. "It's not going to be an easy game," Smith previews. "I know what I've got to do and the way I've got to play tomorrow. I'd much rather be playing the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and that's no disrespect to the people I have been playing."

Since fulfilling his destiny, Smith hasn't kicked on quite as he'd liked in 2023 and he admits a spark has been missing from his game. "I need to go back to playing in everything," he says, explaining his plan to get back to his best form. "I'm used to wanting to win everything I was in and I never missed a tournament."