Aspinall battles through against Ratajski in World Championship thriller

Nathan Aspinall is through to the Last 16 at the 2020 PDC World Championship after defeating Krzysztof Ratajski in a thrilling tie to end the afternoon session.

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.

PDC World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Sunday December 22
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Third Round

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

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