Michael Smith was left out of this year's Premier League Darts line-up with the former World Champion seeing his ranking plummet and with it came a snub for the darting roadshow which starts in Belfast on Thursday night.
Smith though is suffering from arthritis in his throwing hand and perhaps has more pertinent issues at the moment instead of being left out of the Premier League.
He was beaten early by Kevin Doets at the World Darts Championship and hasn't been at his best for some time. He hopes to use it all as a catalyst though.
"The biggest thing now is obviously being left out of the Premier League. That was the kick up the backside I needed again now. From winning the World's and not doing what for instance Luke Humphries did and keep going with it," said Smith on Sky Sports News.
"I took time away as I lost two of the finals previously and I just wanted to enjoy myself as a World Champion. I think that's been my hindrance now. Being left out of the Premier League, it's a time to work hard again and get back to where I belong."
He also said he will likely defy doctors' advice to play the ProTour next week with Smith needing to go for more tests on his hand. "I'll probably say no to him and end up playing anyway. I just love to play darts."
This after he revealed his issue after losing to Danny Noppert easily at the Winmau World Masters. "I broke both my wrists when I was 19 and now it's catching up with me and now suffering with arthritis to my right hand," he said earlier in the week.
"This isn't sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I've never given up or stopped from any pain."
'That was a kick up the backside' 👀
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) February 4, 2025
Michael Smith reflects on being left out of the Premier League 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/yIlY6ny75v