ASPINALL RELIEVED WITH “HORRIFIC WIN”

NATHAN ASPINALL admitted he would have been “abused” on social media if he’d not managed to scrape a win over Beau Greaves.

The World No.6 was outplayed by the 19-year-old who hit 124 and 101 finishes and five 180s at the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton.

But Aspinall held his nerve to defy the boos and hit a vital double 19 to win the deciding leg in their opening Group H clash.

He said: “It was horrific. She was the name in pot four that no one wanted. She’s a credit to the women’s game and a credit to darts. She put me through the wringer.

“I’m just happy to scrape a 98 finish and get the win. I dug deep and battled until the end.

“To be fair the crowd weren’t that bad until the crucial times. They pay their money, they pay my wages, they can do what they want to do.

“Honest to God, even when I first started playing darts, that was the most nervous leg of darts I have ever played. I’m not even exaggerating. I’m snatching, closing my eyes and praying they are going in.

“I played Fallon Sherrock last year and she didn’t play as well as Beau did. She outscored me to death. I was constantly under pressure.

“I knew if I could one good leg on her throw, it could be mine and I did. Then I missed six darts and one fell out and I thought this isn’t meant to be.

“If I lose that game I’m getting absolutely abused on social media for the next week.

“It shouldn’t be like that because she’s a fantastic player as is Fallon.

“But it is added pressure. Everyone loves the underdog. It is hard, there’s no pressure on her. I did the job today…just!”

Gerwyn Price opened his bid to regain the Slam with a 5-1 win over Nathan Rafferty and Josh Rock beat Chris Dobey 5-3.

Images by Taylor Lanning.