“Fair play to Rob, he played some fantastic darts" - Aspinall full of praise for Cross after missing out on second successive title

Nathan Aspinall was close to a second television title in a row on Saturday. 'The Asp' was in control of the final of the New Zealand Darts Masters, but had to watch Rob Cross comeback and secure the overall victory 8-7.

Just last month, the Englishman proved himself the best at the World Matchplay. “It’s been another fantastic tournament for myself,” Aspinall began his press talk afterwards in a very positive way. “I’m still on cloud nine. I’m number five in the world and I’m getting opportunities like this. What an amazing arena, what an amazing country and I can’t wait to get back here next year."

Still, there was of course, much disappointment at losing in the final against Cross. “It does hurt to lose. Rob let me off in the beginning and I punished him for that. I shouldn’t lose the match from 5-2 up, but this is darts."

However, the Stockport-based darter felt Cross deserved the title in Hamilton. “Fair play to Rob. He played some fantastic darts after the break. I wanted to win, I thought I was going to win, but he put me under so much pressure at the end there, and he deserved to win,” said a very sporting Aspinall.