Aspinall takes aim at Premier League and World Series return: "It's down to me to prove my worth"

Nathan Aspinall is through to a second successive World Matchplay Quarter-Final after downing James Wade 11-9 in a superb victory for 'The Asp' who admitted he struggled at times with gripping his dart and also the heat.

"James is fantastic, the tenth leg typical Wade as they say. That was my game plan from the start, don't give him a ton plus finish and he took that 118 out and that was a bit of a killer. I think it took a couple of legs to get myself settled again," he said post match.

"I think the biggest problem during the game was that I was really slow with my throw. I needed to speed up and I think the last four or five legs, I tried to pump myself up backstage trying to get myself more aggression, throw faster and them last five legs were pretty good and that's what won me the game.

"Heat wise, this is my third shirt tonight, it's very hot and sweaty but at least it looks like I've done a days work."

But for Aspinall, the aim is also clear that he wants a return to the Premier League and World Series.

"I think that's where I should be, I missed quite a few events early on and I've had a lot of money to defend. It's very tough. Once you start winning tournaments, it's hard to keep it up. That's why I give Michael (van Gerwen), Gary (Anderson) so much respect because how they keep staying up there. Michael Smith how he's doing what he's doing without even winning a TV title."

"I'm back in the top 16 and you know what my aim is I want to get back in that Premier League next year but it's down to me to prove my worth and so far this week it's going well. It's down to me to prove my worth to the board, you should put me in the Premier League and send me to the World Series."