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Topics: Darts
Jack Kenmare
Michael Smith will not play at the European Darts Trophy in Gottingen next month after he decided to withdraw from qualifying following a frosty encounter against Mickey Mansell.
On Wednesday afternoon, qualifying for the first two events on this year's European Tour took place in Hildesheim, Germany, as players competed to take part in the Poland Open (February 20-22) and the European Darts Trophy (March 13-15).
It was a positive start to the day for Smith, who looked to be on course for a spot in the inaugural Poland Open after beating Jeffrey Sparidaans and Samuel Price in his opening two games.
Mansell, meanwhile, booked his place in a final round clash against former world champion Smith after receiving a bye in the first round. He also beat Owen Bates and Adam Leek in the second and third rounds.
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The pair went head-to-head for a place in this month's Krakow-based event and after a solid start to the match, Mansell went on to secure a 6-3 win.
Smith, however, was far from pleased with Mansell's antics and proceeded to vent his frustration on social media.
"Imagine doing that to win a game," said Smith on his Facebook page. "Tinkerbell won’t come along and move your darts for you. No need stand looking at the board for 15 seconds. Horrible mentality. And horrible player."
The 35-year-old, who has since deleted the post, also decided to withdraw from the qualifier, less than an hour after losing against Mansell. The reason for his withdrawal is currently unknown.
Mansell has since has responded following his win over Smith. He wrote on X: "Shoulda been a boxer!! Knocked one man outta 2 tournaments."
Smith has struggled with a number of injuries of late, including arthritis in his throwing hand and persistent issues with his foot and ankle.
Taking to Facebook ahead of the event in Germany this week, Smith highlighted the impact of travelling as he posted numerous pictures of his injuries.
"Just want to show what happens now when I travel and what the pressure of the plane does to me," he wrote. "It’s not sympathy or anything it’s just annoying because I put myself through this to play the sport I love and just infuriates me, I have to deal with tactics like that.
"It shouldn’t bother me but it does because it makes me questions myself why do I bother to put up with the pain and suffering to please everyone else over my health. This was Sunday night just after I landed.
"And this what I have to deal with now for no doubt rest of my life. And I know flying tomorrow, it will be bad again for another few days before it settles again. But please Ignore my trotters by the way."