Michael Smith says he simply 'can't stand' PDC rival as surprise toughest opponent named

Michael Smith has named the PDC rival he “can’t stand” but loves “as a guy”, as the 35-year-old discussed his toughest opponent.

‘Bully Boy’ won the 2023 World Championship and is regarded as one of the most beloved players of his era; however, the 35-year-old’s career has dipped in recent years from the heights it seemed capable of reaching.

Smith has won 26 PDC titles throughout his career, and was the World No.1 in 2023 following his World Championship victory against GOAT contender Michael van Gerwen, in a match that is famous for featuring what many consider to be the greatest leg in darts history.

Since then, the 35-year-old has suffered injury woes, with his management releasing a statement last year that confirmed Smith is dealing with arthritis in his hand, alongside a shoulder issue and foot/ankle problem.

After several months out due to injury, Smith made his return near the end of 2025, and displayed emotion at the Grand Slam of Darts.

The 35-year-old stated that he would like to retire from the sport, but confessed that “the bank balance isn’t great.” Smith then stated that he also has arthritis in his feet, and that he uses machines on various limbs to ease the pain he experiences.

Now, the 2023 World Championship victor has revealed the player he “can’t stand” but still loves “as a guy”, who he considers to be his toughest opponent ever.

Michael Smith reveals Mensur Suljovic as toughest opponent ever

The 35-year-old confessed that Mensur Suljovic is the most difficult opponent he has ever had to play against, despite leading their head-to-head 13-10.

Suljovic was not named by Smith for typical reasons, but for the exceedingly slow nature of his play style, which ‘Bully Boy’ acknowledged even made crowds mad over the years.

“Mensur Suljovic, Players Championship. Even the crowd got on his back because he was booed so much with how slow he was being," said Smith, speaking to Shot Darts.

“He knows what he is doing. He is doing it on purpose,” revealed the 35-year-old. “I love Mensur as a guy, [but I] can’t stand him as a player.”

‘Bully Boy’ also spoke on how he prepares for matches in 2026, and how recovery typically works for the injury-stricken 35-year-old.

"Sleeping. Especially if I am travelling and on the road, I literally use that time to stay in bed,” said Smith. “Five hours before I’m due to play is when I get out of bed. Shower, and then I get into the venue four hours before.

“If I’m in a hotel for three days, I will be in bed for two and a half. Definitely horizontal and asleep,” admitted the sportsman.

The 35-year-old was also asked which leg of darts is the greatest in the sport’s history, which Smith wasted no time in pointing out was his 2023 World Championship final leg versus van Gerwen.

On comparisons between that and Luke Littler’s nine-darter against Josh Rock last year, ‘Bully Boy’ was quick to shut down an equivocation.

“The back-to-back 180s and then someone hitting it without you having a go… for Michael [van Gerwen] to miss the D12 and then my ‘Hold my drink’ moment. It will never be topped,” said Smith.