"Thinking maybe I'm not quite good enough anymore": Michael Smith open on current darting plight and using it as motivation to return to form

Michael Smith is into the final day of action at the 2025 UK Open and will be on the Main Stage this afternoon as he faces Jonny Clayton and it is about proving a point this weekend.

Smith has been open about his darting plight with injury and also lack of motivation after winning the World Championship but now it is about showing in his words how good Michael Smith would be and how he shouldn't be missing out on these opportunities like Premier League.

Follow the UK Open Darts 2025 via our LIVE SCORE!

Read also

Tournament Centre UK Open Darts 2025: Schedule, all results, TV Guide and prize money breakdown

"Disappointed not being in the Premier League and I'm not going to touch on that but with not being on TV as much this year I wanted to prove a point that game and I tried too hard. I've been around too long that I shouldn't be doing that but it just happened today and I'm happy that I got through. I want to prove a point that Michael Smith can still win majors and could've been in the Premier League. But as long as I'm winning, I'm happy," said Smith.

"I've had a long time out with the shoulder and the wrist and it's happening again where you fall out of love with the game. You're travelling going to Germany or over to somewhere else. I can't be bothered. But I'm dying to get on that plane, I'm dying to go and play darts. The last four ProTours have not been good for me but it's been there. I know it's coming back. I know the game isn't what it should be but it's setting foundations."

But also he spoke about being on the outer board room in Red's, a status he usually doesn't have as an elite player in recent years. He said it's good and spurs him on to show the PDC and ITV that he should be on that Main Stage and that it is up to him now to achieve it.

"It's mint as everyone's forgot about me. It's like going over there and getting on with the game. I'm not going to sit here and say I should be on Main Stage everyday. There's a reason I've not been picked as I've not been good enough."

"You've not been overlooked but in my head you're thinking maybe I'm not quite good enough anymore. My name does't mean something like it did in 2023."

"It's nothing to do with the PDC, in my head I'm thinking that way and it's helping me with thinking give ITV the selection headache of thinking should we put Michael on this. This is what I want now. It's the motivation I need."

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate darts experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe