# Smith vows full return after Swiss win

- Topic: sports
- Source: [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13597050/swiss-darts-trophy-former-world-champion-michael-smith-plans-on-playing-100-per-cent-of-the-tournaments-in-2027-after-opening-win)
- Published: 2026-10-10
- Original: https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13597050/swiss-darts-trophy-former-world-champion-michael-smith-plans-on-playing-100-per-cent-of-the-tournaments-in-2027-after-opening-win
- Language: en
- Image: https://e1.365dm.com/25/12/1920x1080/skysports-michael-smith-darts_7104716.jpg?20251208122026

## At a glance

- Smith beats Rob Owen 6‑4 after coming back from 3‑1 down in the Swiss Darts Trophy opener
- Former world champion vows to play every tournament in 2027, citing wrist arthritis as a recent hurdle
- He will face Jermaine Wattimena in the second round for a place in the final day’s action
- Smith’s comeback pledge follows a 50 % doubles hit rate and a win in his fourth European Tour event

## Sources

- [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13597050/swiss-darts-trophy-former-world-champion-michael-smith-plans-on-playing-100-per-cent-of-the-tournaments-in-2027-after-opening-win)

## The story

Michael Smith opened the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel with a 6‑4 victory over Rob Owen, overturning a 3‑1 deficit and hitting half of his doubles.  The former world champion, who has been battling wrist arthritis since 2025, used the win to announce that he will compete in every tournament in 2027, apologising for his recent absences and promising a full comeback.  Smith said, “You will see me back,” after the match, adding that he is determined to challenge for titles again.  The win came in Smith’s fourth European Tour event of the season, and he now faces Jermaine Wattimena in the second round for a place in the final day’s action.  The Swiss Darts Trophy is part of the European Tour and is held at St Jakobshalle in Basel.  Smith’s statement follows a career‑best performance that saw him hit 50 % of his doubles in a tight finish.  He remains in contention for a spot in the European Championship, and his return is expected to boost the tournament’s competitiveness.  Fans and organisers alike welcome the champion’s commitment to a full 2027 schedule.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13597050/swiss-darts-trophy-former-world-champion-michael-smith-plans-on-playing-100-per-cent-of-the-tournaments-in-2027-after-opening-win)