Aspinall battles through against Ratajski in World Championship thriller

Aspinall hit a 98.45 average, eight 180's and 43 percent on the doubles as he showed real bottle to defeat Ratajski; who just kept coming back at him in a brilliant performance from both players.

Aspinall quickly claimed the first set 3-1; with two 180's and a 97 average to boot to put himself firmly in the driving seat in the early running. Aspinall in the next set hit his third 180; which allowed Ratajski to double his lead in the second set.

The next set was less cut and clear; with Ratajski winning it in a deciding leg pinning a clinical 106 checkout to hand 'The Polish Eagle' an early way into the contest; with both players averaing between 96 and 100.

Aspinall went 2-1 up with a break of throw to establish daylight in the next set; from there he concluded the set 3-1 to regain the lead at 2-1 up; in what was a tight tungsten tussle.

Ratajski put the next set into his control; as he broke early on to lead in set four with a 13-darter but had to force a last-leg decider and it was one he lost as Aspinall established further daylight at 3-1 up in sets.

It was up to Ratajski from there and it was a tightly ran set with Aspinall going back to back 180s; despite fluffing his lines of sorts towards the end, he claimed the leg; but it continued to be drama filled as Aspinall despite going one away couldn't close the match out; as Ratajski had a never give up attitude which brought him to only one set behind now.

Ratajski put Aspinall under pressure; as he broke throw from there to lead in the next set. He added to that by taking out 123 to double his lead.

Aspinall though went one away again forcing a last leg decider but again Ratajski stepped in to force a deciding set. This hard work was soon erased though; as Aspinall broke throw after Ratajski couldn't pin double eight to hold.

He was well ahead on his throw; this allowed him to hit double 20 to hold and go one away again. He finally concluded it with a brilliant 116 checkout.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

Jonny Clayton (91.49) 0-4 (95.70) Stephen Bunting
Max Hopp (92.16) 2-4 (91.03) Darius Labanauskas
Nathan Aspinall (98.45) 4-3 (97.00) Krzysztof Ratajski

https://twitter.com/SkySportsDarts/status/1208791267741712391?s=20