Undeniably, Michael Smith is one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation. A former PDC World Champion and Grand Slam winner, it’s fair to say this hasn’t been the greatest of years for Bullyboy on the oche.
After a six-month absence from our TV screens – having failed to qualify for the World Matchplay, Grand Prix, and European Championship – the St Helens Ace battled through a tough field of hopefuls in Wigan to earn one of the final coveted spots for Wolverhampton. Then last night, he finally made his big stage return, defeating Nathan Aspinall in his opening Grand Slam group match.
For the sport as a whole, darts is simply better when Michael Smith is firing on all cylinders – when that silky, free-flowing throw is back in full rhythm.
Smith was a little overcome after his return to the big stage and so begged off the full media duties instead giving a single interview which was then spread out in a media pool style.
Strangely the team concerned went for a curious mix of thinly veiled compliments, poorly hidden reminders of his absence, and a line of questioning that might as well have come with a side of existential crisis. An interesting angle – all the subtlety of an elephant dancing on your car:
CONGRATULATIONS. IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I SAW YOU PLAY – THE UK OPEN?
It’s been a long road, it’s been a battle.
IN WHAT WAY?
Just everything; injuries, life itself. To get up there, to win that match is a bit emotional and I’m just glad to get over the line.
I CAN IMAGINE BECAUSE IT’S YOUR FIRST WIN IN A LONG TIME IN A MAJOR. WHAT MORE CAN WE EXPECT OF YOU?
I can’t go worse than that. Nathan should have won that. I seen his reaction walking off and then obviously coming upstairs to the practice room I seen his reaction again. He should have won that 5-0, easy. I just hung in there and I got the job done in the end, and I’ll take the win.
OBVIOUSLY IT’S WORKING FOR YOU AT THE MOMENT. I SEE SOME EMOTIONS AS WELL, IT’S A HARD TIME FOR YOU?
Yeah it’s just fighting. I’ve always been a fighter, so to be back on stage and winning matches, that’s what means the most to me.
[Smith emotional at this point]
AND GETTING FURTHER IN THIS TOURNAMENT GETS YOU HIGHER ON THE ORDER OF MERIT. THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE AIMING FOR I GUESS?
I just want to be competing. I’m sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments and I’m sat at home. It pisses me off. [wipes tears]
IT’S HARD TO SEE.
Shit happens, I guess.
IT MUST BE A RELIEF TO BE WINNING MATCHES?
Winning matches, that’s who I’m about, that’s Michael Smith, not sitting at home. Being on big stages listening to the crowds, that’s me.
DID YOU EVER CONSIDER QUITTING AT ALL?
Not once. I think I made the semis of the UK Open with a hole in my leg. I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months and then when I got them took off, within two weeks I won my first ProTour at 19. I’m a fighter, that’s it. I’ll be back, don’t worry.
There you have it a string of negative, emotionally triggering questions, topped off by enquiring if, in his mid-30s, a multiple major winner and former World Champion has ever thought about quitting.
We’ll try a touch more positivity when wishing Michael all the very best in his next matches.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
