Michael Smith launched a scathing attack on Mickey Mansell, branding him a « horrible player » after suffering defeat in a European Tour qualifier. The 2023 world champion is desperately searching for a career revival, but Wednesday brought only further heartache as he fell 6-3 to Mickey Mansell.
Smith had been attempting to secure his spot at the Poland Darts Open, scheduled for February 20-22, but came up short at the final qualifying stage. ‘Bully Boy’ made the journey to the qualifiers in Hildesheim following two consecutive days competing in the Players Championship series.
The gruelling schedule appears to be taking its toll on the former world No.1’s wellbeing. After the loss, Smith criticised the ‘Clonoe Cyclone’s’ sluggish pace of play, arguing it was unreasonable to take 15 seconds between throws simply to collect his darts
The contrast in tempo between the two competitors could hardly be starker, with Smith renowned as one of the Tour’s swiftest and most rhythmic players when performing at his peak. The St Helens thrower vented his frustration on Facebook before swiftly removing the post.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Smith pulled out of the subsequent European Tour 2 qualifier. « Imagine doing that to win a game. Tinkerbell won’t come along and move your darts for you.
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« No need stand looking at the board for 15 seconds. Horrible mentality. And horrible player, » Smith wrote. The post was later deleted by the former world champion.
Mansell has since responded to Smith’s outburst, adding insult to injury by stating: « Shoulda been a boxer! ! Knocked one man outta 2 tournaments ». Smith also revealed the severity of his ankle injury by sharing a photograph of the swelling, whilst detailing the challenges he encounters when travelling overseas for European tournaments. The 35-year-old has struggled through several injury issues in recent years, as he looks to battle back to his very best.
He also used his suffering to defend his outburst directed at Mansell. Bully Boy wrote: « Just want to show what happens now when I travel and what the pressure of the plane does to me.
« It’s not sympathy or anything it’s just annoying because I put myself through this to play the sport I love and just infuriates me, I have to deal with tactics like that. It shouldn’t bother me but it does because it makes me questions myself why do I bother to put up with the pain and suffering to please everyone else over my health.
« This was Sunday night just after I landed. And this what I have to deal with now for no doubt rest of my life. And I know flying tomorrow, it will be bad again for another few days before it settles again. But please Ignore my trotters by the way. »
Smith has previously discussed competing whilst enduring significant pain, particularly in his ankles and wrist. The 35-year-old disclosed he has been diagnosed with an excessive extra bone developing in his ankle.
« I’m still using the ankle support but I had all my injections last Thursday, » Smith said before the World Championship in December. « I had cortisone in my ankle joints, my wrist, but had to pass up on the shoulder because I’m only allowed one shot a week.
« I had to sign another waiver so I could have two and last time it made me deaf so I wasn’t having three in one day but everything seems to be sound. I’m walking fine now so it should be all right. »
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