• 2023 world champion lost in first round of World Masters
• Smith to see specialist over arthritis in right hand

Former world champion Michael Smith has revealed he is suffering from arthritis in his right hand and is set to see a specialist.

Smith’s form has dropped off rapidly since winning the world title in 2023 in what was widely regarded as producing one of the greatest legs in the history of the sport. He made the revelation on his injury after losing in the first round of the revamped World Masters on Thursday night.

Smith made the revelation after losing in the first round of the revamped World Masters on Thursday night