Nathan Aspinall has revealed he almost quit darts as recently as five weeks ago – before scooping his maiden Premier League nightly win in 2025.
‘The Asp’ pulled off an incredible comeback to beat world number one Luke Humphries on Night 10 in Manchester, coming back from 3-0 down to claim a 6-4 victory.
GettyNathan Aspinall is bidding to land his first ever Premier League darts title this year[/caption]
After Humphries missed a dart to go 4-0 up, Aspinall found his rhythm in spectacular fashion, winning the next five legs before sealing the match in the tenth leg.
It was a memorable night for the 33-year-old, who triumphed on home turf to leapfrog above Michael van Gerwen into the play-off positions.
The win for Aspinall, who is now fourth in the Premier League table, was his first of the season after falling short in finals on Night Three in Dublin and Night Five in Brighton.
And the Mancunian later revealed just how much the result meant to him, having his questioned his future in darts after struggling with dartitis in recent years.
Similar to the ‘yips’ in golf, tennis or baseball, dartitis is a mental condition which stops a player from being able to release a dart, with several top players suffering from it.
In an emotional interview after his Premier League victory, Aspinall bravely opened up on overcoming his demons.
He told Sky Sports: “I spoke to Wayne [Mardle] before, and I have got a few issues and sometimes it doesn’t look pretty on TV, but I found a way to cope with it.
“It affects me, but I’m winning, and I’m winning tournaments and you either quit and give up and go home, or you own it and you make it part of the game and that’s what I’ve decided to do.
“And you know what? I’m so happy. I’m in a really good place. I’m winning.”
Aspinall then revealed: “And tonight, you know what? Five weeks ago. Well, I was really struggling. I said to Kirsty [his wife], ‘I can’t be doing this anymore.’
GettyAspinall is up into fourth spot in the eight-man Premier League table[/caption]
Getty‘The Asp’ defeated 2024 world champion Luke Humphries to win in Manchester[/caption]
“And then the last three weeks he proved why I’m still playing darts because I’m one of the best players in the world.
“I’ve been through absolute horrendous two years. I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior. People call me a Jack Russell and I think that’s why I’m here. But I don’t know when I’m beaten.
“I will never ever give up and these last three weeks have proved why.”
Aspinall more than proved his credentials over the course of the Night 10 in Manchester.
After a 6-2 victory over Rob Cross in the quarter-finals, he then produced a superb display to beat three-time world champion Van Gerwen in the final four, averaging 101.31 in another 6-2 win.
The world number seven then delivered when it really mattered after a slow start against Humphries, as he was spurred on by the home crowd.
Credit: Sky SportsAspinall opened up on his battle with dartitis[/caption]
Aspinall reflected: “I’ve had a fantastic couple of weeks and I said to my psychologist and hypnotherapist, ‘I feel like I’m going get to the final’, and I made the final and it wasn’t a pretty game in the final.
“I have never ever, even when playing for the World Matchplay title, been so nervous on them last darts, because I’m in Manchester. Absolutely unreal!
“I wanted to win it so much for the crowd. I’ve got all my family, all my friends there, so many people supporting me tonight.”
The darts star then had a message for those who questioned his selection for this year’s Premier League Darts.
He added: “I feel I should be in the Premier League.
“Everyone knows it deep down why they put me in the Premier League and I have proved my worth – it’s made me a better player.
“I think I proved that the last three weeks. I’ve been, in my opinion, one of the best players in the world in the last three or four weeks.
“When I’m a confident player, when I’m scoring well, there’s not many people in the world of darts that can beat me. I’m going to take so much confidence from this.”
