“As long as I don’t get tied up around a lamppost...” - Nathan Aspinall set for star-studded stag do with Chris Dobey, Joe Cullen and more

Nathan Aspinall is looking ahead to the new European Tour season with confidence. The Englishman enjoyed a particularly successful run on the continental circuit last year and says he has now found a way to better manage the demanding schedule.

Where the European Tour once felt like a mixed experience for the Stockport-born player, it now feels like a stage where he can truly thrive. “The European Tour was a love-hate relationship for many years. I enjoyed coming because it was good money and you get to see different places, but by Sunday nights I was absolutely done,” he told Tungsten Tales.

According to Aspinall, it took time to find the right balance in his preparation and match rhythm. “It took me a long time to find the formula that works for me, but I’ve found that now. I’m excited for this year, and I think it’s going to be a big one. I think this is where I can do my damage."

“On the Pro Tours, I’m pretty average. I hate them. I love the European Tours. The crowd, the energy, everything about it. I really come alive on stage, and the European Tour is the place for me.”

The Englishman emphasises that the atmosphere on the European Tour is what gives him extra energy. In his view, some European Tour events can even rival the feel of major televised tournaments.

“Some of them feel like TV events. It’s not the stage, the crowd or the country, it’s the venue. You walk into somewhere like the Budapest Arena and it’s unbelievable. It feels like a Premier League venue.”

According to Aspinall, the popularity of darts across mainland Europe makes a huge difference.

“Take the World Matchplay out of the equation, and I’d say the European Tour is the best place to play darts. Wherever you go in Europe, the crowds are fantastic, and I just love playing them.”

Alongside the sporting enjoyment, Aspinall also sees clear opportunities to improve his position in the world rankings. With relatively little prize money to defend in the coming months, the situation looks favourable.

“I looked up what I’m defending, and it’s about £43,000 until October. I think I’ve already won about £25,000 or £30,000 of that back now," he says. “So I’ve basically got around 40 tournaments to defend about £13,000. That’s amazing. That’s why I’m going to play as much as I can.”

The former major champion, therefore, intends to play as many tournaments as possible, although he has already had to withdraw from one event.

“I have pulled out of Leicester next weekend because of a little tweak in my shoulder. Nothing serious, just something I don’t want to aggravate. But apart from that, I’m going to play as much as possible.”

Alongside his busy darts schedule, Aspinall is also looking forward to a personal highlight later this year: his wedding. Naturally, that will also include a stag party with several well-known names from the darts world.

“Chris has done well, though, he’s lost a lot of weight naturally,” Aspinall said with a smile. “The stag do is going to be immense. We’re doing it during the World Cup week because we’re trying to get into the England team for the World Cup of Darts.”

The guest list promises plenty of familiar faces.

“There’ll be a few of the lads coming. Me, Dobey, Cullen, Ross Smith. It’s going to be hectic," Aspinall details. “As long as I don’t get tied up around a lamppost, I’ll be happy.”