Michael Smith has had a tough year (Image: Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Michael Smith is happy to just be competitive at the World Darts Championship following his nightmare year.

This confession might seem strange for someone who reigned as world champion just three years ago, having produced a nine-darter in what's considered the greatest leg in the sport's history against Michael van Gerwen .

Smith has openly admitted that he perhaps celebrated his world championship year rather too enthusiastically, which subsequently impacted his performances. Yet his struggles over the past 12 months stem from sheer bad luck.

Earlier this year, Smith disclosed he'd been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in his ankle, right shoulder and right wrist of his throwing arm. Whilst the condition

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