Another big name falls as Ryan Joyce edges Nathan Aspinall in World Grand Prix classic

Ryan Joyce has become the first man to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 World Grand Prix in Leicester, following a thrilling win over Nathan Aspinall.

After wins over Ryan Searle and Josh Rock respectively in the opening round, Aspinall and Joyce locked up for the first time in a TV major. Although the Asp started as favourite, in the head-to-head, Joyce has a surprising 5-2 lead over Aspinall. It should be noted, however, that the last encounter was in April 2022. Somewhat strangely, Aspinall's last win over Joyce dates back to 2019.

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In the early stages, there was almost nothing to separate the pair. The first six legs of the match all went with the darts, Aspinall securing the opening set in a deciding leg, before Joyce roared back to level terms by taking set in another decider.

In the opening leg of set 3, the first break of the throw came and came in form of a 14-darter from Joyce. Holding throw strongly in the next leg, the Englishman took his third leg in a row to move two clear in set 3. Although Aspinall did pull one back in that set, in went to Joyce who moved 2-1 as a result.

With Joyce having the darts in set 4, Aspinall knew that if he any chance at a comeback he needed to break the throw for the first time in the contest. He couldn't in the opener and although the former UK Open and World Matchplay champion levelled the set in leg 2, Joyce moved one away from victory in leg 3. A smart 90 checkout from Aspinall then sent the set to a decider, but as mentioned, Joyce had the darts. Both players got off at the first attempt, but as the tension rose, Joyce clattered in his 5th 180 of the match to get to a finish first. Needing 114 for the match, Joyce pinned treble 18, but then aiming for a high single 20, he incredibly missed the board completely, landing on the top wire of double top. Punishing royally, Aspinall popped in a skin-saving 89 to force a deciding set.

In the opening leg of set 5, Joyce again missed a big number, hitting treble 20 instead of the single and busting his score to allow Aspinall to hold throw and nudge infront. Refocusing well though, Joyce returned strongly with a hold of throw in leg 2. With Aspinall now in full flow however, an 11-darter put him on the brink of victory in the next leg. A few moments later it was Aspinall's turn to throw for the match, but after straying into double 5 aiming for Tops, he then fired wide on double 15 and Joyce punished to force another deciding leg. In that last leg, Aspinall had the advantage of throw but Joyce powered clear via his scoring. Needing double 6 for the match though, he shockingly bust on double 10. Aspinall then had 110 for victory himself, but couldn't pin double 18. This time Joyce made no mistake sealing a thriller.

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