"I'll work my balls off to make it happen" – Nathan Aspinall has Premier League selection in his sights after dazzling demolition job in Dortmund

Nathan Aspinall has vowed to “work [his] balls off” to earn a Premier League Darts return, after kicking off his 2025 European Championship campaign in dazzling style with a 6–1 demolition of Rob Cross in Dortmund.

The Asp looked every bit the top seed on Friday night, averaging 100.53, hitting four 180s, and landing nearly 43% of his doubles in a commanding display that underlined the form he’s carried through a superb October. It’s been a fortnight to savour for the Stockport star, who arrived in Germany fresh from winning his third European Tour title of the season in Hildesheim.

Aspinall’s performance against two-time European Champion Cross was polished, professional and full of purpose. After dropping the opening leg, he reeled off six on the spin to seal victory in just over 13 minutes — a statement win from a player who insists he’s rediscovered the “fight in [his] belly.”

Speaking afterwards, a relaxed and buoyant Aspinall reflected on a near-perfect start to the tournament.

“Yeah, you know, obviously I’m still on cloud nine from the weekend,” he said. “I’ve had a fantastic eight or nine days on the oche, and it’s nice to be smiling again. I just feel great.”

The 34-year-old came into Dortmund as the number one seed, having topped the European Tour Order of Merit, and was quick to play down any talk of extra pressure that comes with the position.

“I finished number one, and I wanted to win this weekend because I wanted to be the number one seed,” he explained. “Everyone makes a big thing about how the top seed has gone out early the last two or three years. I don’t think like that. For my own confidence, I wanted that top spot – which I got.Even after going 1–0 down, I knew I was playing well enough to beat Rob at the moment. So yeah, very happy.”

Aspinall was typically blunt when asked about the supposed “curse” of the top seed, insisting it’s only the media who care.

“The thing is, with the rankings and the Order of Merit and all that, we as players don’t care. It’s the journalists, the press, Sky… you know, Luke Humphries is sick to death of people asking about being number one. Of course Luke Littler’s going to be number one eventually – that’s the story, we get it."

“Everyone’s been talking about how I’ve dropped out of the top 16. Yeah, it happens. But I know I’ll be back up there," he added. "I keep bollocking my grandad because he’s always saying, ‘Oh Nathan, you need to get back up there.’ And I’m like, ‘I will. Chill out.’”

Known for his emotional honesty and infectious energy, Aspinall described himself as a “rollercoaster” player – and he’s fine with that.

“I hope it keeps me on my toes, you know what I mean?” he smiled. “I don’t want to be boring. I don’t want to just be Wade – no disrespect – but sitting in the top ten for years, just going through the motions. I like being up and down. It keeps it exciting. It gives you that fight in your belly. You get stick on social media one week, praise the next – it’s just fun, isn’t it?"

“But seriously, I’d prefer to be more consistent and be in that top four or five for the next ten years. It’s just not who I am, unfortunately," he adds with a wry smile. "But right now, I’m very confident in my game, I’m happy, and I feel I can do some damage this weekend.”

That confidence isn’t misplaced. The numbers against Cross were clinical: four maximums, six 140s, and an 82 checkout to wrap up victory. Cross, who managed just one double from four attempts, could only watch as Aspinall powered through six consecutive legs to set up a second-round clash with Danny Noppert.

Aspinall has already lifted multiple European Tour crowns this season, but he’s convinced a major TV title isn’t far away.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “Whether it’s this weekend, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship Finals, or the big one – I do feel like I’m going to win one of the four this year."

“You’ve got to have that belief. If you don’t believe, what’s the point of turning up? I’ve found a new lease of confidence over the last ten days. I haven’t felt like this since probably the Matchplay. I feel great, I feel confident, and there’s no reason why I can’t win another tournament. Hopefully it’s this one.”

Asked whether he felt the “fear factor” around his game had returned, Aspinall didn’t hesitate. “I’ll let you ask the other players that,” he said. “But I know the answer. They don’t want to play me when I’m in this mood.”

The Stockport man also addressed this week’s news that he had parted ways with long-time manager Martin Foulds, stressing there were no hard feelings.

“I’ve been with Martin for eight years, and when I put my post out about why we split, I meant it from the bottom of my heart,” Aspinall explained. “I thank Martin so much. I’m very good friends with him and love him to bits."

“It was an amicable split – he didn’t want to carry on managing further down the line, and I made the decision to part ways. I’m not going to say a bad word about him. He’s been an unbelievable friend and manager, and I can’t thank him enough. But careers move on, life moves on, and it was the right call for both of us.”

Attention inevitably turned to the Premier League – the competition Aspinall has openly said he craves a return to. “You know what? I don’t actually want to play in it next year,” he joked, laughing. “No, seriously, I know what I’ve got to do."

“The European Tour has helped massively this year. I didn’t defend the Matchplay, I want the Premier League, and yeah, I want the World Series, I want to play the first edition in Saudi Arabia. I want to play in everything. But it’s down to me," he clarifies. “I know I’ll get the backing of the PDC, but I’ve got to prove myself worthy of that spot. Right now, honestly, I don’t think I deserve it yet. I’m not far off, though. I don’t think many players have done more than me this year, but I’m not in that top eight yet."

“I reckon I’m a couple of places away, but I’ll work my balls off to make it impossible for them not to pick me. If it doesn’t happen this year, then whatever. The Premier League is the highlight of my season, and I’ll do what I can. But first things first – let’s go and win this tournament.”

Aspinall will now meet Danny Noppert in the second round after the Dutchman saw off compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode 6–3 in the final match of the opening night.

Given the form he’s in, the confidence coursing through him, and that trademark fire in his belly, few would bet against Aspinall extending his run deep into the weekend.

For a man who’s been to the brink and back in his career, the message from Dortmund was clear: the “Asp” is buzzing again, and he’s ready to sting.