Former world champion Michael Smith has revealed he is suffering from arthritis in his right hand, following his first-round exit from the World Masters against Danny Noppert.
The 34-year-old, currently ranked 16th in the world, made the announcement after being left out of both the Premier League and World Series line-ups for this year.
Smith, who claimed the world title in 2023, will see a specialist on Monday to discuss his condition.
Smith revealed he has been dealing with a grade two AC shoulder injury for the past six weeks, requiring physiotherapy every few days.
Michael Smith has admitted his injury troubles in recent times
PA
The former champion explained the arthritis stems from breaking both wrists when he was 19 years old.
“I broke both my wrists when I was 19 and now it’s catching up with me and now suffering with arthritis to my right hand,” Smith wrote on social media platform X.
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it,” he added.
Smith explained his decision to reveal his health struggles now came after speculation about his form.
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“I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway so why not now,” he posted.
The St Helens player has been battling through various injuries throughout his career.
“I played a World final with a broken hand. I made a UK Open final with a hole in my groin,” he revealed.
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Michael Smith has contended with several injuries over his career
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Smith’s recent form has seen him drop significantly in the rankings since winning the world title in 2023.
He suffered an early exit at this year’s World Championship, eliminated in his opening match by Kevin Doets.
The former champion will meet with a specialist on Monday to discuss his condition and treatment options.
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“When I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so,” Smith told his supporters.
Despite his health challenges, Smith remains determined to return to top-level competition.
“I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very, VERY quickly,” the former world champion vowed.
Smith’s 3-1 defeat to Noppert at the World Masters in Milton Keynes came on a night when world number one Luke Humphries, Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright all progressed in the tournament.