God, this one hits different.
Vincent van der Voort just delivered the kind of brutal honesty that makes you wince - telling former world champion Michael Smith that "the tour waits for no one." And honestly? The Dutch veteran isn't wrong, even if it stings like hell to hear it.
Smith, 34, has been battling arthritis in his throwing hand - the very hand that lifted the world championship trophy at Ally Pally back in 2023. Life's got a twisted sense of humor sometimes.
The Fall Happened Fast
Here's what really gets me: Bully Boy went from world champion to struggling to qualify for major tournaments in what feels like a blink. Lost his Premier League spot. Dropped out of the world's top 20. Couldn't even make it to the World Matchplay in Blackpool last month.
That's not just a slump - that's a freefall.
The Dutch crew on the "Darts drait door" podcast didn't pull any punches when discussing Smith's situation. Jermaine Wattimena, who knows a thing or two about struggles (the guy lost his tour card at one point), called it "really sad." Van der Voort, 49 and brutally honest, added: "It's incredible how quickly things can go wrong. He's a world-class talent, but now it's about how he manages this."
Nobody's Safe From the Slide
Then came the reality check that probably kept Smith awake that night: "Even for top players - van Gerwen, Dimitri van den Bergh, Joe Cullen - once you start slipping, it's so hard to get back."
Wattimena's description of his own struggles hit me right in the gut: "You're throwing 100 averages and still losing. You look at the board thinking, 'What more do I have to do?' It gets frustrating."
I can't imagine that level of helplessness.
When Your Past Catches Up
Smith opened up to Sky Sports back in February about his condition, and his explanation made perfect sense in the worst possible way. "I've had it for a few years now. It was always when it was winter so I thought it was just teh cold affecting it. But it just keeps getting worse and worse."
The kicker? He broke both wrists when he was 19. "It was going to catch up with me eventually," he admitted. "I think it has now."
Twenty-something Smith probably never imagined his teenage injuries would come back to haunt his championship dreams. But that's how life works - your past has a way of showing up uninvited to your biggest moments.
What Now?
Smith recently had to undergo blood tests amid ongoing health issues. The man's fighting battles we can't even see, trying to get back to a level that once came naturally.
Van der Voort's words keep echoing: "The tour waits for no one." It's harsh. It's unfair. But it's also the reality of professional sports - your body might betray you, but the competition keeps moving.
Here's hoping Smith finds a way back. Because watching champions fall isn't entertainment - it's just heartbreaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should I stand from the dartboard?
The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.
What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
What weight darts should beginners use?
For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.
What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?
The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
Statistics
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
- The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
- A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
External Links
How To
Mastering Your Grip & Stance
There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/darts/luke-littler-just-got-real-about-his-girlfriend-faith-and-honestly-its-kinda-heartbreaking
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