Michael Smith has gout and in a lot ache he ‘cannot lean when throwing darts’
Darts ace Michael Smith has revealed he can’t lean when throwing due to gout.
Smith, 33, was dumped out of the Premier League on Thursday evening by a Luke Littler in spectacular form during the Aberdeen leg. The Nuke averaged over 110 in a whirlwind display that left the former World Champion constantly on the back foot.
However, Smith has now revealed he was in so much pain at the oche he was struggling to lean when throwing. Bully Boy said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Don’t you just love gout.
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Luke Littler darts fans can back ‘The Nuke’ in Premier League with his playing shirt
Luke Littler fans can now buy the 17-year-old’s playing shirt to support him as he continues to demonstrate his talent in the Premier League.
The darts sensation was only 16 when he wowed Alexandra Palace at the World Darts Championship (WDC), despite a final loss to Luke Humphries.
The Nuke will continue playing against seven of the best dart players in the world — Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross and Peter Wright — in a mini-tournament in a different city every Thursday until the final in May.
“More pain killers required please, so I can actually lean while throwing. Feel sorry for my opponent there as I think he felt sorry for me.” Gout is often referred to as a “medieval disease” – historically it was called the “disease of kings” because it was thought to manifest due to overindulgence in food and alcohol.
However, scientists discovered that although some food products can exacerbate the condition, it occurs due to a higher concentration of uric acid in the blood, which causes sudden swelling and severe pain in your joints.
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(Image: Getty Images)
The body makes uric acid to break down purines – which are found in food. It’s easily treatable with anti-inflammatories. However, regular exercise, being a healthy weight and reducing alcohol helps to prevent flare-ups.
Smith was among the top names to make it through to the Last 16 of the Players Championship 9 on Monday afternoon. He beat Oskar Lukasiak, Adam Hunt and Johnny Clayton en route to the Last 16.
After he revealed what he was going through online, one fan responded: “Still insane how you can still play so good while not being 100%. Hope u feel better for next game!”
(Image: PA)
“Wouldn’t wish gout on my worst enemy,” a second said. While a third replied: “I was confused why you were looking so annoyed. Makes sense now!”
Smith is now set to face Richard Veenstra in the Last 16 – with other big names still in the Players Championship 9 including Dave Chisnall, Chris Dobey and Stephen Bunting. Chisnall has been impressive, hitting a 105 average against Andy Baetens.
While Raymond van Barneveld also impressed hitting 107 against Nathan Rafferty, but Barney would go crashing out in the Last 32 – losing 6-4 to Ryan Joyce.
