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Michael Smith will miss out on the World Matchplay for the first time since 2013 after failing to secure a qualification spot.
Smith, the 2019 runner-up in Blackpool, needed to reach at least the semi-finals of Wednesday’s Players Championship event in Leicester to book his place at the World Matchplay, which is live on Sky Sports from July 19-27.
However, ‘Bully Boy’ lost 6-4 in the first round to Thibault Tricole and will now not be among the 32 names in action at the Winter Gardens later this month.
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Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock both hit nine-darters during Tuesday’s Players Championship event
Bradley Brooks sealed an 8-5 win over Gerwyn Price in the final to win his maiden PDC ProTour title, while Raymond van Barneveld earlier qualified for the World Matchplay due to his progress in the tournament.
Another nine-darter was delivered by Dirk van Duijvenbode in a first round win over Jim Williams following a trio of perfect legs in Tuesday’s Players Championship.
How has Smith missed out?
The top 16 players in the PDC Order of Merit – including world No 1 and defending champion Luke Humphries as well as reigning world champion Luke Littler – plus the next 16 players based on the 12-month PDC ProTour Order of Merit reach the Matchplay.
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Former World Champion Michael Smith reveals he has been playing in discomfort after recently being diagnosed with arthritis in his wrists
Smith is outside the world’s top 20 after a drop-off in form since winning the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in January 2023.
The 34-year-old has spoken openly about suffering from arthritis in his right hand while a shoulder injury has also hampered him.
Watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports from July 19-27 or stream without a contract.
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