Michael Smith was visibly emotional during an interview as he made a heartfelt comeback to the major darts stage after enduring significant health challenges. The reigning 2023 world champion marked his return to televised tournaments by competing against Nathan Aspinall at the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts.
In a rematch of their 2022 final in Wolverhampton, Smith, also known as Bullyboy, secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory as Aspinall struggled, missing 20 opportunities to double. For Smith, the win held special significance due to his ongoing battle with various health issues, including arthritis in his throwing hand, foot, ankle, and shoulder problems, as well as undergoing laser eye surgery for vision improvement.
Returning to the spotlight held immense emotional value for the St. Helens star, who shared his struggles and triumphs in a poignant interview with Viaplay, later excusing himself from the winners’ press conference for his well-being.
Reflecting on his performance, Smith humbly acknowledged his opponent’s missed chances and his own perseverance in clinching the win, expressing gratitude for overcoming the odds. Despite the challenges he faced, Smith reaffirmed his fighting spirit and determination to compete at the highest level, dismissing any thoughts of quitting the sport.
Looking ahead, Smith is set to continue his Grand Slam journey, facing off against current world No.1 Luke Humphries before a crucial group match against Alex Spellman. The outcome of these matches will determine his advancement to the knockout stage, as he remains focused on making a strong comeback in the competitive darts arena.