ASPINALL SENDS WARNING TO PREM RIVALS

By Aaron Nijjar  

NATHAN ASPINALL admits his renewed confidence and belief can carry him to a first-ever Premier League play-off appearance at London’s O2 Arena. 

‘The Asp’ currently sits fifth in the table and just one point behind fourth-placed Michael van Gerwen heading into Night 14 in Leeds. 

World No. 8 Aspinall kept his hopes alive last week in Birmingham as he saw off a below-par Chris Dobey 6-3 in the quarter-finals — despite missing seven match darts. 

Two-time major winner Aspinall remains in strong form having won Night 10 in Manchester and his first Euro Tour title at the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen. 

Stockport thrower Aspinall finished fifth in his last two Premier League campaigns and knows this is his time to go one better. 

He said: “There’s been a lot of ups and downs in my career but I always find a way to come back. 

“I think it’s just the will to win and succeed. 

“Through all the injuries, dartitis and falling out of the top 16 then coming back I just enjoy the challenge. 

“The last two Premier League campaigns I have finished fifth. 

“It’s in my hands to change the outcome this year. 

“I play Luke and Michael in the final weeks — it is going to be a tough job.” 

Aspinall still sees MVG as the greatest of all time, but after beating him three times in a row, he thinks the Dutchman might be feeling the fear next time they meet. 

He added: “I still see Michael as the GOAT. When I play Michael I feel different playing him than any other player in the world. 

“Michael knows this. But to be fair the last three times I beat him so maybe he’s fearing me a bit at the minute. 

“I’m playing really well and I’m full of confidence at the moment. 

“I have the belief I can come out on top this year and make the O2 because I’ve never made it and it’s certainly a dream of mine.” 

Aspinall faces Luke Littler next Thursday in Leeds at the First Direct Arena.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.