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  "path": "/sport/darts/darts-michael-smith-dog-dead",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-02T16:32:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Sir Kenny Dalglish, 75, reveals he's been diagnosed with cancer as he provides update on treatment",
    "Southampton boss issues grovelling apology after Spygate saga in eight-minute video",
    "Jamie Carragher explains concerns over Andoni Iraola ahead of Liverpool appointment",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nDarts star Michael Smith has pulled out of the Players Championship after the death of his beloved dog Luna.\n\nThe 35-year-old withdrew from the competition to be with his family during the hard time.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSmith paid tribute to his dog in an emotional social media post.\n\nHe wrote: \"What a whirlwind last two hours. Our girl come in to the living room taken one look at us all and then laying down and taking a turn.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Racing to the vets she sadly passed and left us.\n\n\"We're all going to miss you Luna. We're absolutely heartbroken.\n\n\"But now you can be back in that field in the sky with your man orca. Run free girl.\"\n\nIn a follow-up message, Smith confirmed he will be taking a week off after Luna's death.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Sir Kenny Dalglish, 75, reveals he's been diagnosed with cancer as he provides update on treatment\n  * Southampton boss issues grovelling apology after Spygate saga in eight-minute video\n  * Jamie Carragher explains concerns over Andoni Iraola ahead of Liverpool appointment\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"As you can see by my post we're all heartbroken over our girl.\n\n\"So I didn't even have to think about it long that I won't be playing in MK [Milton Keynes] this week as I'll be staying home and taking care of my family.\"\n\nThe darting world sent its support to Smith, with over 15,000 people liking his post about Luna's death.\n\nDarts referee Owen Binks paid his respects, saying: \"Sorry to hear this Michael.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSmith has won a total of 26 PDC titles throughout his career and is currently ranked 32nd in the world.\n\nHis most famous moment came in 2023, when he won the World Championship.\n\nSmith played against Michael Van Gerwen in the final, with Bully Boy winning 7-4.\n\nThe contest featured arguably the greatest leg in darts history after the Dutchman and Englishman were both on nine-darters.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nVan Gerwen served for the leg, but missed his own nine-darter attempt, after eight perfect darts, hitting the outside of double 12.\n\nSmith stepped up and showed the Dutchman how it was done, nailing double 12 as the crowd went ballistic.\n\nThe moment is infamously remembered for Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle exclaiming behind the microphone: \"That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can't speak. I can't speak.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Darts star Michael Smith pulls out of tournament to 'take care of family' after death of dog"
}