Former world darts champion Michael Smith has committed to competing in all tournaments during the 2027 season following his victory at the Swiss Darts Trophy. The 2023 world titleholder, known as ‘Bully Boy,’ overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat Rob Owen 6-4, showcasing significant resilience in just his fourth European Tour event of the current campaign.
Smith hit 50% of his doubles in the match and expressed his satisfaction with returning to competitive form. ‘I’ve missed this. I want to apologise and also make a promise in 2027 I will be playing 100 per cent of the tournaments. You will see me back,’ Smith stated.
The St Helens-born player revealed that he has been competing through discomfort after being diagnosed with wrist arthritis in 2025. Despite this physical setback, Smith remains confident in his ability to regain his peak form and challenge for major titles again. The victory keeps his hopes alive for securing a spot in the European Championship.
Smith is set to face Jermaine Wattimena in Saturday’s second round, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s action at the St Jakobshalle in Basel.
Other notable results from Friday included Rob Cross, who averaged 105.95 in a 6-3 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde and will next take on Luke Woodhouse. Bradley Brooks also impressed with a 6-4 victory against Niels Zonneveld, maintaining a perfect record in early-round matches this season before meeting Chris Dobey.
On home soil, Stefan Bellmont became only the third Swiss player to win a match at the tournament, defeating Andrew Gilding 6-3 in front of a passionate Basel crowd. He will face Krzysztof Ratajski in the next round. Maik Kuivenhoven ended a nearly five-year losing streak in Basel by beating compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 6-3, while Dave Chisnall and Tom Bissell both secured tight last-leg victories.
Cristo Reyes claimed his first European Tour win since May with a 6-4 triumph over Cameron Menzies and will play Ryan Searle next. Karel Sedlacek advanced after coming from behind to beat Sebastian Bialecki 6-4, keeping his automatic qualification hopes for the European Championship on track.
The Swiss Darts Trophy continues on Saturday with both seeded and unseeded players in action across afternoon and evening sessions.
Promising 100 percent isn’t easy for anyone. Let’s see if he sticks to the schedule next year.
I have to ask, what specific treatment is he doing? The recovery looks faster than expected.
Wrist arthritis and he still fights like this? That’s serious dedication. I’m impressed.
Finally, a full season commitment! Good to see Bully Boy back to his old self after that comeback.