PDC star snubs Michael Smith’s pre-match handshake one month after being labelled ‘horrible player’

Mar 20, 2026 - 17:15

Mickey Mansell reignited his rivalry with Michael Smith after snubbing his pre-match handshake ahead of their Belgian Darts Open clash.

The Northern Irishman blanked the two-time PDC world champion at the oche before cruising to a 6-3 first round win on Friday afternoon.

Mickey Mansell snubs Michael Smith's pre-match handshake — Mansell blanked Smith ahead of their Belgian Darts Open first round tie on Friday

It was only last month that the two were involved in a fiery match-up at a European Tour qualifier.

Just like on Friday, it was Mansell who prevailed in the final round – winning 6-3 to deny Smith a place in the Poland Darts Open.

Taking the Mickey

Following the contest, Smith took to social media to aim a stinging jibe at the 52-year-old where he branded him as a horrible player.

Left agitated by Mansell’s antics on the oche, Smith said on Facebook: “Imagine doing that to win a game.

“Tinkerbell won’t come along and move your darts for you.

“No need (to) stand looking at the board for 15 seconds.

“Horrible mentality. And a horrible player.”

Smith later deleted his post, before withdrawing for the second European tour competition in Gottingen in March.

In reply, Mansell took to X, writing: “Shoulda been a boxer!! Knocked one man outta 2 tournaments.”

It was then the turn of Smith’s wife Dagmara to get involved in the war of words, as she replied: “No you shouldn’t, your moves are too slow for that.”

Michael Smith and Mickey Mansell shake hands after their match — Mansell and Smith did shake hands after the former won in the Belgian Darts Open first round

Mickey Mansell celebrates after beating Michael Smith — Mansell is a former Grand Slam of Darts semi-finalist

And it appears that Bully Boy’s words were ringing in Mansell’s ears when the pair met in Belgium.

Smith offered his hand before their meeting, but Mansell refused to acknowledge it.

Though Mansell and Smith did shake hands following their game, with the former doing a muted fist pump celebration to the fans in attendance.

It was Mansell who raced into an early lead as he took the opening leg with an impressive 161 checkout.

He then broke Smith’s throw in the fourth leg with a 110 checkout, with both players proceeding to hold their throw until Mansell sealed victory with an 80 checkout.

Mansell will now face Michael van Gerwen in the second round on Saturday night for a place in the third round.