Michael Smith has withdrawn from this week’s Players Championship double-header in Milton Keynes after the sudden death of his family dog Luna. The former world champion missed Tuesday’s Players Championship 19, which was won by Jeffrey de Graaf, and will also sit out Wednesday afternoon’s Players Championship 20 as he stays at home with his family.
Smith confirmed the news on social media after posting an emotional tribute to Luna, who died after suddenly taking a turn at home. “What a whirlwind last 2 hours,” Smith posted. “Our girl come in to the living room taken one look at us all and then laying down and taking a turn. Racing to the vets she sadly passed and left us. We're all going to miss you Luna. We're absolutely heartbroken. But now you can be back in that field in the sky with your man orca. Run free girl.”
Smith later confirmed that he would not travel to Milton Keynes for the two Players Championship events, with family taking priority after the loss. “As you can see by my post we're all heartbroken over our girl. So I didn't even have to think about it long that I won't be playing in MK this week as I'll be staying home and taking care of my family,” he added. The decision meant Smith was absent as de Graaf claimed Players Championship 19 on Tuesday, defeating Jonny Clayton 8-5 in the final to take the second PDC ranking title of his career.
While the personal reason for Smith’s withdrawal is clear, the timing also comes during an important period in his season. The 2023 world champion has endured a difficult spell since his peak at Alexandra Palace and is no longer in the position of security he once held near the top of the PDC Order of Merit. The World Matchplay race is the immediate sporting concern, and Smith’s place is not as comfortable as it would have been during his spell as world champion and world number one. There have been signs of life in 2026: Smith reached the final of Players Championship 11 earlier this year, where he was beaten 8-7 by Beau Greaves in a landmark result for the sport. But the wider picture has still been one of interrupted momentum, injury issues and pressure to rebuild ranking ground.
For now, though, the darts picture moves into the background. Smith’s absence from Milton Keynes leaves him out of another important ProTour week, but his message made clear that this was a family decision before anything else.
