Tensions between Michael Smith and Mickey Mansell flared up again at the Belgian Darts Open in Wieze on Friday, March 20, 2026, with the pair refusing to shake hands before their match. The animosity stems from a previous clash at the European Tour qualifier for the Poland Darts Open, where Mansell defeated Smith in the deciding round. After that loss, Smith took to social media to criticize Mansell, calling him a "horrible player" and slamming his pace of play, saying, "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."
In their rematch at the Belgian Darts Open, the pre-match snub highlighted the ongoing rift. Smith, the former world champion, posted a higher average and hit four 180s but struggled on doubles, leading to a 6-3 defeat. Mansell advanced to the second round, where he will face Michael van Gerwen tomorrow.
The incident underscores a personal feud that shows no signs of abating, with both players avoiding the customary handshake and Smith failing to secure sporting revenge in a match where his scoring prowess was overshadowed by finishing woes.
