Smith looks to positives after latest major final defeat at UK Open: "I'm living a life I didn't think was possible"

Michael Smith lost out in his seventh major final this past weekend at the UK Open with many thinking that his best chance has passed him by.

Smith received abuse as a result and he responded with a lengthy statement on social media looking at the positives in that he has got a life he couldn't have dreamed of years ago and that is all thanks to darts despite the disappointments.

"For all the trolls with messages of abuse, I'll let you into a little secret of my life. It hurts bad losing finals and still not having that major in my locker. But nine years ago when me and my Mrs didn't have a pot to p*** in and my sister had to pay for flights for me to go and see Dags (his wife) or get home because I couldn't afford it. But fast forward to me writing this message," he wrote on social media.

"I'm married, I have two kids and living a life I didn't think was possible all those years ago. This isn't a flex, this is a positive post."

"I lost the Premier League final and was overjoyed just to be there but did wonder would I ever make another final, will I ever get that chance to compete at that level. But time and time again, I have my wobble and then straight back on the board and keep fighting the way I know how just always remembering what and how it felt not having anything and struggling to even pay a £20 flight from Dublin."

"I've always gone to darts and gave more than 100% to get what I'm worth and not what I think I deserve. Things aren't so easy in life if you think you deserve this and that. You have to fight and wait your turn in the line. One day I will get what I'm worth and one day this post will be irrelevant."

"But for now, I keep fighting and remember trolls are trolls, not people I hold close to my chest like my family, my wife, my two amazing kids and some great friends I've made."