Former darts world champion misses out on major tournament for the first time in 12 years following shock loss

FORMER darts world champion Michael Smith will miss out on the World Matchplay in Blackpool for the first time in 12 years.

Smith, 34, failed to qualify for the competition for the first time since 2013 after a poor performance in the Players Championship 21.

GettyMichael Smith has failed to qualify for the World Matchplay in Blackpool[/caption]

Bully Boy needed to make at least the semi-finals of the Leicester tournament to climb into the top 16 of the PDC Order of Merit and earn a place at next week’s showpiece.

Unfortunately Smith crashed out in the first round, losing 6-4 to Thibault Tricole and sealing his unfortunate fate.

Although Smith hasn’t missed a World Matchplay event since 2013, he has never lifted the trophy and came closest to tasting success in 2019 when he finished runner up to Rob Cross.

After Smith’s exit from this week’s Players Championship 21, it was former world youth champion Bradley Brooks who went on to win the tournament.

Brooks, 25, banked £15,000 after beating the likes of Chris Dobey and James Wade on his way to an 8-5 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final.

The Blackburn thrower was in disbelief at his sensational performance.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “I’m lost for words. This week I felt so comfortable in my own game and everything clicked, so I’m over the moon.

“I treated the final like I had nothing to lose. I can’t put into words how much it means to me.

GettyBradley Brooks won the Players Championship 21[/caption]

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“I struggled a couple of times this year and I still have that bad game in me, but I think when I do get it right, I can mix it with the best in the room.”

Unfortunately Brooks will also miss out on a spot at the World Matchplay given that he is still way back in 73rd spot in the Order of Merit.

Big name players such as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have, of course, earned their spot on the stage in Blackpool.

While exciting qualifiers from the ProTour rankings include Martin Schindler, Ryan Searle, Mike De Decker and Raymond van Barneveld.

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