At the beginning of 2022, Nathan Aspinall still thought the end of his career was near, but now 'The Asp' is experiencing the glory days of his career.

In July, Aspinall won the World Matchplay, capturing the biggest title of his career. It was the final reckoning with a painful wrist injury to his throwing arm threatening to derail his time in the darting elite.

But now he has firmly returned and hard work to get back from the brink certainly has paid off for the Stockport thrower.

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“When it all started happened a year last January with my arm I doubted I could ever play the game again," he said to Toyo Tires.

“But I’ve had the right treatment and the right support and I got over that.

“Once I did that it was trying to get the belief and will to win again. The type of guy I am, I want to succeed at everything I do.

“I’ve worked so bloody hard behind the scenes. People don’t understand, they think we just go up there and throw darts.

“The sacrifices, the will to win, practice, the time away. It’s been really really hard.

“But because of that, I know now I can overcome anything in life. Before I was a dart player, I was a little rebel.

“I’ve overcome so much in my life. I just don’t like failing, simple as that. That’s me in a nutshell, I don’t like to fail.”

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From £20 to his name to securing future for his family

So much so that he has now bought a new house with most of his winnings after previously have £20 to his name back in 2018 in the rags to riches tale for 'The Asp'.

Many joked though about how that could be the case with Aspinall being an accountant in his past life. But now it is his family's future that he provides for on the dart board.

“Yes, 100 per cent. This week I’ve bought a new house. I put a massive deposit down, wiped myself out. But there’s no (feeling, ed.) better than bricks and mortar.

“But I’ve used that as motivation to win this tournament. I’ve had my back against the wall so many times in life.

“I just think that makes you stronger as a human being.

“I want to make sure my family is secure for the future. That’s why I do this game.

“We’ve bought a place in Glossop out in the sticks away from the town which I what I wanted to do for the family.

“It’s a beautiful house but it was a little bit out of my price range. But it’s OK now because I’ve won this!

“Anyone reading this, if you believe enough, you can make it happen.”