“When I didn’t qualify, you saw on social media I got really annoyed” – Passionate Michael Smith seizes second chance at Poland Darts Open

Michael Smith battled through to the third round in Krakow after a nerve-racking win over Joe Cullen at the 2026 Poland Darts Open on Saturday night, but for the Englishman, the victory carried a far deeper meaning than sporting success alone. The former world champion dedicated his performance to his wife, who is from Poland.

Smith never led against Cullen, yet dragged the match over the line in a last-leg decider. Afterwards, he explained why the tournament was so important to him personally. “It’s about taking my chances. I am glad to get into the next round,” said Smith. “That’s why I got so annoyed when I lost in the qualifiers. It’s the only one where I wanted to bring the family over and stuff.”

As he touched on there, initially, Smith had not qualified for the Euro Tour event after a loss in qualifying to Mickey Mansell. That led to frustration, which he also showed online.

In the end, he still made the field following Gerwyn Price's withdrawal through illness, which made his appearance in Krakow extra special. “Of course, it’s for this beautiful crowd but mainly for her,” Smith continued, referring to his wife, Dagmara.

“When I didn’t qualify, you saw on social media I got really annoyed, but I managed to scrape in," he added. "I managed to play in front of the Polish crowd. I know how difficult they can be because I have lived with one for 13 years! Thank you, everyone.”

The victory also signaled something positive for his sporting form. Smith has struggled recently with injuries and arthritis, but sees his level climbing again.

“It’s two best mates going at each other. I had chances in the first leg at 116, and in the second leg, I had four darts at double. I just kept on believing in myself, and I got over in the end. It was a proper game of darts," he assessed.

He noted that his current average is a clear sign of progress. “With the 97 average, that was me playing badly a couple of years ago. It’s nice that my game is going in the right direction at the minute. I am just looking to keep on going

Still, Smith remained realistic about his presence in Krakow. “Listen, I shouldn’t be here, and I got beat in the qualifiers,” he admitted.

On Sunday afternoon, he faces another top clash in the next round, when he takes on Jonny Clayton.