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
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.
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.