"I let him off last week and that won't happen again'' - Nathan Aspinall determined ahead of Premier League shootout with Michael Smith

There will be a straight shootout this Thursday night as Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith meet in the quarterfinals on Night 16 of the Premier League Darts. The winner will secure themselves a spot in the playoffs.

The English city of Sheffield hosts the final round of play in the regular competition on Thursday night. Two weeks ago, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries managed to secure a spot in finals night in London. Last week, Michael van Gerwen joined this pair. The difference between Aspinall and Smith in the rankings is just one point, so a win for either player is going to be decisive.

''In every Premier League campaign I've played in, it has always come down to the last night!'' Aspinall laughed in conversation with the PDC. ''I've got the job done twice in three attempts. Last year was unfortunate, but I know what I've got to do, and I'm confident I am going to come out with a result on Thursday."

So that has to happen against Smith, with whom Aspinall took a trip together to Las Vegas earlier this month. ''I'm playing against a close friend in Michael so it's going to be a tough game, but I let him off last week and that won't happen again,'' Aspinall sounded resolute.

It took a while for Aspinall to get comfortable in this Premier League. The first three rounds of play led to a direct defeat each time. After that, 'The Asp' still managed to reach five weekly finals, two of which were won. "I've really enjoyed this Premier League campaign. The first three weeks were poor, so to be in the position I am now where it's in my own hands, I'm very proud of how I've responded."

Should Aspinall win against Smith, the Stockport-based darter will make his debut at the O2 Arena. Aspinall had twice before qualified for the Premier League playoffs, but because of the corona pandemic, this night could not take place in London each time. ''It would be a dream of mine to make my debut at The O2, so I'm looking forward to hopefully finishing my season on a high,'' Aspinall said.