Aspinall went into a 3-0 lead but was soon trailing 5-4 to Gurney who produced a valiant display despite his top four hopes being over.
"Tonight was the most nervous I've ever been before a match so I'm proud of how I handled myself," said an emotional Aspinall.
"I believe I belong on that stage and I want to show it every time I'm up there.
"I just want to get in that top four and I want to win this tournament. Some people might say I want it all too quick."I don't make things easy for myself though. It would be nice to start winning games more comfortably."
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1301953840028307458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1301953840028307458%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdartsnews.com%2Faspinall-beats-gurney-and-puts-extra-pressure-on-van-gerwen%2F