Nathan Aspinall is the defending champion at the World Matchplay. The Englishman surprisingly won the prestigious tournament in Blackpool last year by defeating Jonny Clayton in the final.
Aspinall began the tournament at the time with a 10-7 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski. 'The Asp' then had his hands full with Danny Noppert, but the Dutchman was beaten 11-9. Aspinall then proved too strong for Chris Dobey 16-12, before a 17-9 win over Joe Cullen followed in the last four. In the final, Aspinall prevailed over Clayton; it was no less than 18-6 for the darter from Stockport.
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''Blackpool has always been a place where I have performed well,'' Aspinall said in an interview with the PDC. ''This is my local tournament and every year I play at the World Matchplay, the crowd is great.''
Aspinall reflects wistfully on his success last year. ''I’ve got special memories here, and obviously all my friends and family were there when I lifted the trophy last year. That moment will live with me until the day I die.
The two-time major winner, who celebrates his 33rd birthday next Monday, could join an illustrious list next week. In the past, only Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen managed to successfully defend a World Matchplay title. Aspinall could become the fourth player to do so if he stands with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his hands again next Sunday.
If so, Aspinall will first have to face Luke Woodhouse in the first round on Saturday night. "It’s going to be difficult, but I believe I can win it again. My girls are going to be with me again this year, and I’m going to try and walk on that stage, make them proud and hopefully win another title."
“I’ve played Luke a few times and I’ve got quite a good record against him, so I think it’s a good draw for myself,” said Aspinall on his first opponent. I’ve avoided five or six of the bigger names out of the non-seeds, but Luke is still a great player, and he’s played well this year. That’s why he’s in this tournament. It’s going to be a tough game, but it’s one I am confident that I can come through.”
Injury woes plague Aspinall
But despite his confidence, he has a deep lying issues which is his injury and he said that his pain is a lot worse and that he is not in a great place. But that he managed to reserve time out to not get any sort of surgery specifically to defend his title in Blackpool.
“This injury is night and day in terms of pain, compared to my wrist. It’s a lot worse,” continued Aspinall. “I’m not in a great place. I’m still winning games and hitting mid-90 averages, but I’m well aware that averaging mid-90s is not going to win you the World Matchplay.
“I’ve been injured for the last two years, and I’ve still made two major finals, won the World Matchplay, and just missed out on the Premier League, so when I’m fully fit, the lads better start practising!“I just want to play pain-free for once. It’s been two years now where I’ve constantly been in pain, and the last three months have been horrific.”
“If I genuinely didn’t think I could win the tournament, I wouldn’t have played and I would have started my recovery now. There’s a reason that I’m starting my treatment after the World Matchplay, because I want that trophy back in my front room! I want my name on there again.
“Blackpool has always been a place where I’ve performed well. This is my local tournament, and every year I play at the World Matchplay the crowds are amazing.“I’ve got special memories here, and obviously all my friends and family were there when I lifted the trophy last year. That moment will live with me until the day I die.
“I think everyone knows I’ve got a really strong mentality, and if I can grasp all that mental strength I possess, even if I’m not performing at my best, I still think I can win the tournament.”
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