Former Darts world champion Michael Smith has missed out qualifying for the World Matchplay for the first time since 2013.
‘Bully Boy’ failed to secure qualification for the event later this month having fallen short of the threshold to book his spot at the Blackpool showpiece.
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Smith needed to bank a semi-final spot at Wednesday’s Players Championship event in Leicester to qualify for the World Matchplay.
But a first round defeat to Thibault Tricole, which finished 6-4, means Smith will not be a part of the 32-player field at Winter Gardens.
Qualifying rules stipulate that the top 16 players in the PDC Order of Merit plus the next 16 players based on the 12-month PDC ProTour Order of Merit contest the Matchplay.
World No.1 and defending champion Luke Humphries will be in action, as will reigning world champion Luke Littler.
Heading into Wednesday’s Players Championship event, Martin Schindler topped the ProTour Order of Merit.
Schindler lines up alongside World Cup winner Josh Rock, Gian van Veen, Cameron Menzies, Wessel Nijman, Ryan Searle and Mike De Decker, who are all well positioned to qualify for the Matchplay.
Smith currently sits outside the top 20 in the world following a run of poor form since his World Championship win at Alexandra Palace in early 2023.
Former darts ace Chris Mason has pointed to the ‘flawed ranking system’ as the reason behind Smith’s absence.
Asked why he had missed out, the talkSPORT commentator explained: “I think it’s a culmination of many things really.
“A flawed ranking system, which a fair few players have spoke out about. I think it was unfair to lose that chunk of money in one go.
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“You don’t become an outside the top 16 player from a top five player overnight.
“I just think that’s slightly flawed and I think the pressure of losing all that money in one go has played it’s part.”
Mason continued: “Another factor is the new manufacturer. I don’t think those darts match up to his previous set.
“They enter the board slightly different. He doesn’t seem as confident with them.
“I just think it’s a culmination of all those factors has played a part in him missing out.”
Smith recently revealed his battle with arthritis in his right hand and an ongoing shoulder injury that has affected his form.
The 34-year-old said on Instagram: “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.
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I’ve never given up or stopped from any pain.
“Feels like this needed to be said as I’m annoyed seeing I’m finished or what’s happening it’s this or that.
His post continued: “The last six weeks I’ve had grade two AC [acromioclavicular] shoulder injury and seeking physio every two-three days to help that but for three-four years I’ve been fighting something else.
“I played a world final with a broken hand. I made a UK Open final with a hole in my groin. I’ve won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle.
“What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know. I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing the Prem or losing World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway so why not now.
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“I see the specialist Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so.
“I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very VERY quickly. To all my fans. BullyBoy.”
The World Matchplay is viewed as the PDC’s second biggest tournament on the calendar behind the World Darts Championship.
The event takes place at its spiritual home of Blackpool from July 19-27.
Premier League winner Luke Humphries reigned supreme in last year’s event as he picked up his first ever Matchplay title.
This year’s winner is set to bank a cool £200,000 in winnings as part of the £800,000 total prize money.
