SMITH AIMS TO STOP THE ROT

Bully Boy took fame for granted but is a new man

- Mike Walters

'BULLY BOY' Michael Smith admits he rested on his laurels as world champion - and has nobody but himself to blame.

Two years ago Smith was the toast of darts after his perfect the PDC World leg in Championship final sent viewing figures through the roof.

But his form fell off a cliff after he slipped into auto pilot, culminating in his fourth-round whitewash by Chris Dobey in his defence of the crown.

Unless he reaches the business end of this year's tournament, which opens at Ally Pally on Sunday night, Smith is likely to drop out of the world's top 16.

When he joins the party on December 19 he faces potential curve ball against Kevin Doets or Noa-Lynn van Leuven in the second round.