Michael Smith was visibly emotional during his return to the competitive darts scene after grappling with chronic health issues. The 2023 world champion faced Nathan Aspinall at the Grand Slam of Darts, marking his first TV tournament appearance since March.
In a rematch of their 2022 final, Smith narrowly defeated Aspinall 5-3 as Aspinall struggled with missed opportunities at double. Smith, who has dealt with arthritis in his throwing hand, foot, ankle, and shoulder, also underwent eye surgery to enhance his vision.
The significance of his comeback was profound for the St Helens player, who gave a heartfelt interview before being excused from the winners’ press conference for his well-being. Reflecting on his journey, Smith expressed gratitude for overcoming his challenges and winning the match.
Acknowledging his performance, Smith admitted that Aspinall had opportunities to secure victory easily but praised his own resilience in clinching the win. Despite his health setbacks, Smith emphasized his fighting spirit and determination to excel on stage.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Smith expressed his eagerness to compete and frustration at missing out on tournaments while recovering. Winning matches and performing on big stages were highlighted as integral to his identity as a player.
Smith affirmed his unwavering commitment to darts, citing past instances of competing through injuries and setbacks. Looking ahead, he vowed to make a strong comeback and face upcoming challenges in the Grand Slam tournament.
Continuing his Grand Slam journey, Smith is set to compete against Luke Humphries and Alex Spellman in his remaining group matches, aiming to advance to the knockout stage.
