Darts star Michael Smith has pulled out of the Players Championship after the death of his beloved dog Luna.
The 35-year-old withdrew from the competition to be with his family during the hard time.
Smith paid tribute to his dog in an emotional social media post.
He 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.
"Racing to the vets she sadly passed and left us.
"We're all going to miss you Luna. We're absolutely heartbroken.
"But now you can be back in that field in the sky with your man orca. Run free girl."
In a follow-up message, Smith confirmed he will be taking a week off after Luna's death.
Michael Smith has pulled out of the Players Championship after his dog died
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He said: "As you can see by my post we're all heartbroken over our girl.
"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."
The darting world sent its support to Smith, with over 15,000 people liking his post about Luna's death.
Darts referee Owen Binks paid his respects, saying: "Sorry to hear this Michael."
Smith said he and his family are 'all heartbroken over our girl'
| PASmith has won a total of 26 PDC titles throughout his career and is currently ranked 32nd in the world.
His most famous moment came in 2023, when he won the World Championship.
Smith played against Michael Van Gerwen in the final, with Bully Boy winning 7-4.
The contest featured arguably the greatest leg in darts history after the Dutchman and Englishman were both on nine-darters.
The darting world has paid tribute to Smith's dog
| PAVan Gerwen served for the leg, but missed his own nine-darter attempt, after eight perfect darts, hitting the outside of double 12.
Smith stepped up and showed the Dutchman how it was done, nailing double 12 as the crowd went ballistic.
The 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."
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