Michael Smith’s 12 months almost received off to the worst doable begin following a daunting encounter with a shark.
The 2023 world darts champion is within the Middle East for Bahrain Masters, the primary World Series event of the 12 months. The journey has already featured a few shut shaves for Bully Boy, on and off the oche.
In the ultimate match of the primary spherical, defending champion Smith survived two match darts to beat Paolo Nebrida 6-5. He was additionally fortunate earlier within the week when a fishing journey virtually had disastrous penalties for his profession and life on the whole.
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Smith didn’t have to attend lengthy for a chunk, nevertheless it wasn’t the type he was in search of because the 33-year-old virtually had his throwing hand ripped off by the ocean beast.
“With Arabian fishing, there’s no rods, just line,” he instructed darts commentator Dan Dawson on ITV Sport. “Within a few minutes, I managed to hook into a 4ft shark. It didn’t feel as much but when I got it to the side of the boat, it started to kick. It ripped into my hand, nearly took my hand off, but it’s all healed now.”
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(Image: BIC)
After beating Michael van Gerwen to seize his first world title, Smith had an underwhelming 2023 after which misplaced his grip on the Sid Waddell Trophy following a heavy defeat to Chris Dobey at Ally Pally. Smith conceded he spent an excessive amount of time celebrating being a world champion slightly than knuckling down on his recreation.
“Last year was a bit of a struggle,” he mentioned. “It was my own doing. Too busy partying, having fun and being world champion.
“In 2022, I got to all those finals. I was pushing and pushing, but when I won it, I didn’t push as hard. I sat back on my laurels and thought I’d done it. Seeing Luke [Humphries] win it, it started to hurt, that I’d lost my title. Now I’ve got to work even harder to get in back.”