Darts hero fights back tears before being pulled from Grand Slam press conference

Michael Smith fought back tears in an interview as he made a poignant comeback to competitive action following his injury nightmare. The former world champion competed in his first televised tournament since the UK Open in March, taking on Nathan Aspinall at the Grand Slam of Darts.

In a rematch of the 2022 Grand Slam final, which Smith won, Bullyboy secured a 5-3 triumph as Aspinall squandered 20 attempts at doubles. The result held particular significance for Smith, who has endured a catalogue of health issues over the last year. The St Helens star has been plagued by arthritis affecting his throwing hand, while also grappling with complications in his foot, ankle and shoulder. Additionally, he underwent laser eye surgery to help his vision.

Therefore, his return to top-level competition proved deeply meaningful for Smith, who gave a heartfelt interview to Viaplay before being withdrawn from the customary winners' media obligations for his welfare.

"It's been a long road, it's been a battle," he said. Asked why, he replied: "Just everything; injuries, life itself. To get up there, to win that match is a bit emotional and I'm just glad to get over the line."

Reflecting on his display, Smith admitted: "I can't go worse than that. Nathan should have won that. I seen his reaction walking off and then obviously coming upstairs to the practice room, I seen his reaction again.

"He should have won that 5-0, easy. I just hung in there and I got the job done in the end, and I'll take the win."

Asked how he has managed his various difficulties in recent months, he added: "Yeah, it's just fighting. I've always been a fighter, so to be back on stage and winning matches, that's what means the most to me."

Tearing up, he said: "I just want to be competing. I'm sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments and I'm sat at home. It p***** me off. S*** happens, I guess.

"Winning matches, that's who I'm about, that's Michael Smith, not sitting at home. Being on big stages listening to the crowds, that's me."

The former world No.1 maintained he has never contemplated giving up the sport, insisting: "Not once. I think I made the semis of the UK Open with a hole in my leg.

"I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months and then when I got them took off, within two weeks I won my first ProTour at 19. I'm a fighter, that's it. I'll be back, don't worry."

Smith continues his Grand Slam campaign against current world No.1 Luke Humphries on Sunday before his final group match against Alex Spellman. The top two in the group go through to the knockout stage.