Nathan Aspinall as he quipped is relishing the underdog tag once again at the Premier League play-offs at The O2. 'The Asp' faces Luke Humphries in the second semi-final and is two games away from glory.
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Aspinall got to Finals Night in a last ditch effort surviving a race with Michael van Gerwen in the end pretty easily in Sheffield. But a player who was seen as not deserving of a spot at the tournament, he has proven the doubters wrong.
He also said where it would rank on his title scale after winning the World Matchplay and the UK Open in his career from losing his tour card to ascending to the top of the sport.
"The World Matchplay was obviously a big ranking event as well, I probably class it as the second biggest tournament in darts but I think to come through the field that I would've had to come through. The two games I've got to win tomorrow (Thursday) to win that trophy, it would be up there with the biggest night of my life if I go on and win it," said Aspinall to Online Darts.
"There's four of us left and it's all on the night. I think you've seen it all season, different nights different winners. Hopefully it is my night."
But on the underdog tie, he says he relishes it and he is used to it over it being annoying or a burden on him and that it enables him to go out there and produce his best without expectation.
"I'm used to it now. After 10 years everyone always writes me off and calls me the underdog and I love that title. So there's no pressure on me. No-one is expecting me to win my first game, let alone win the night. I go up there as I do, smile on my face enjoy the moment and I think if I do all that there's no reason why I can't win that trophy."
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
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