Michael Smith loses his opening match at the German Darts Grand Prix. The Sport1 experts take care of the ex-world champion.
Michael Smith’s opening defeat at the German Darts Grand Prix ensures guesswork. (Now live on TV on Sport1 and in the livestream)
During the round of 16 between Krzysztof Ratajski and Rob Cross on Easter Monday, the 4: 6 in the legs of ex -world champion Smith was discussed against the same Ratajski from Poland in the sixteenth final of commentator Basti Schwele and Sport1 expert Robert Marijanovic.
“A questionable match”
“In the end, that was somehow really a questionable match, especially from the perspective of Michael Smith,” said Schwele.
And indeed: the “Bully Boy”, who won the World Cup in 2023, threw a single 180, only met four out of 17 attempts to double (23.53 percent) and remained without a high finish.
“There were mostly phases where you were really worried. And the worries are now no less with Michael Smith,” Marijanovic agreed with his colleague.
In the meantime, Smith only played 76 points in the Average, in the end it was 85.81 points. “I know there are many Bully Boy fans out there, but now a lot has to happen if the turn is supposed to come again,” Marijanovic became clear.
“Bully Boy” crisis worse and worse?
According to the weak results, the Englishman has slipped to 19th place in the world rankings in the past few months, so far only two matches have been able to win on the European Tour this year (at four events).
“He threatens to miss the World Matchplay, he threatens to miss the World Grand Prix. That is a spiral that can go even deeper,” added Marijanovic.
At the 14th Players Championship tournament in the previous week, Smith reached the semi-finals, but lost there against the German tour newcomer Dominik Greichlich (4: 7).