"I shouldn't really be playing... but I want to defend my title" - Nathan Aspinall battles through pain barrier to make winning start to World Matchplay defence

Nathan Aspinall made a positive start to his World Matchplay title defence on Saturday night. In a tight contest, 'The Asp' was just too strong for Luke Woodhouse 10-8 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Aspinall had especially high praise for the Winter Gardens crowd afterwards. "I want to thank the crowd, there's no way I would have won that game without the support they gave me tonight," reflected the reigning champion post-match. "It's humbling to hear people singing your name, I've never experienced support like tonight; they carried me through it."

Despite the win, Aspinall isn't totally with the level he reached. Having been battling an elbow injury in recent weeks also, things are from ideal for 'the Asp' and his title defence in Blackpool. "It wasn't a good performance; I tried everything, I left everything on that stage tonight to get the win," he assesses.

"I shouldn't really be playing at the moment with the state of my arm, but I want to defend my title," continues Aspinall, who is set for a spell on the sidelines post World Matchplay. "This is my last tournament before my treatment so I'm trying everything I can to go out with a bang before my break from the game."

Next up in Aspinall's quest for back to back World Matchplay titles, he will take on the winner of the duel between James Wade and Danny Noppert in the second round. Firstly though, Aspinall will be sitting down to watch England in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday night vs Spain. "I'm going to enjoy this evening with my family, then I'm going home tomorrow (Sunday ed.), I'm going to go watch The Three Lions lift a trophy," he concludes confidently. "I need Harry Kane to score a goal for my bet! I'm going to go watch them boys win the trophy, then it's my birthday on Monday so I'm going to celebrate the birthday with my family and come back on Monday night."