World Matchplay Darts: Michael Smith to miss event for first time since 2013 after finishing outside qualification spots | Darts News
Michael Smith will miss the match match for the first time since 2013 after failing to obtain a place of qualification.
Smith, the 2019 finalist in Blackpool, was to at least reach the semi-finals of the Wednesday players’ championship event in Leicester to book his place in the world matchplay, which is live Sky Sports From July 19 to 27.
However, “Bully Boy” lost 6-4 in the first round against Thibault Trocucole and will now not be among the 32 names in action at the Winter Gardens later this month.
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Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock both struck nine players at the players’ championship event on Tuesday
Bradley Brooks sealed an 8-5 victory against Gerwyn Price in the final to win his first PDC PDC title, while Raymond Van Barneveld qualified earlier for the match match due to his progress in the tournament.
Another darter was delivered by Dirk Van Duijvenbode during a victory in the first round against Jim Williams following a perfect leg trio in the Tuesday players’ championship.
How did Smith missed?
The 16 best players of the PDC merit order – including the world n ° 1 and the defending champion Luke Humphries as well as the world champion reigning Luke Littler – plus the following 16 players based on the 12 -month PDC PDC order reach the match.
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Former world champion Michael Smith reveals that he played in discomfort after recently received a diagnosis of arthritis in his wrists
Smith is outside the top 20 of the world after a drop in form since he won the world championship in Alexandra Palace in January 2023.
The 34 -year -old man spoke openly to suffer from arthritis in his right hand while a shoulder injury also embarrassed him.
Watch the matchplay World live on Sky Sports from July 19 to 27 or running without contract.
