Former world darts champion Michael Smith has revealed he is suffering from arthritis in his right hand.

After losing in the first round of the World Masters on Thursday night to Danny Noppert, the 2023 world champion, who is currently ranked 16th in the world, posted a message on his X account revealing the condition and an ongoing battle with a shoulder injury.

“Feels like this needed to be said as I’m annoyed seeing [comments that] I’m finished or what’s happening it’s this or that,” Smith wrote.

“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 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.”

Smith won the World Darts Championship against Michael van Gerwen in an incredible 2023 final which included the 34-year-old – whose nickname is ‘Bully Boy’ – landing a nine-dart finish.

But he has not progressed beyond the fourth round at Alexandra Palace in either of the past two years, while he will not feature in this year’s Premier League – where he was a semi-finalist last year – for the first time since 2021.

“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,” he wrote.

“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 the World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway so why not now.”

Smith said he would provide a further update after seeing a specialist next week.

“I see the specialist [on] Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so,” he added.

“I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very VERY quickly.”