"It is a commercial entity": Nathan Aspinall doesn't see Premier League line-up deviating despite form woes of darting elite

Nathan Aspinall believes his spot at the top table of darts is under threat but that the Premier League line-up likely won't deviate too much despite the new winners and unpredictability of the sport as well as the big names falling off a cliff form wise.

Aspinall spoke after he eased past his close friend Chris Dobey which he admitted was a difficult task due to their close bond but that business is business and he can now look forward to Saturday in Minehead.

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"It's tough. We knew for two weeks that we were playing each other and he's one of my best mates and it's not nice to play. But I've got to go up there and do a job. I changed my set-up last week to the K Flex and scoring has been unreal practicing and up there then. It's just my finishing," said Aspinall to Online Darts after his 6-1 win.

"Dobey wasn't at the races there, I don't know what happened. Thankfully he wasn't because he's been fantastic this year. His floor form has been unbelievable. Such a tough game for many reasons."

"I've had a couple of weeks out because of obviously not wanting the Grand Slam so hopefully the practice there tonight. Get here early tomorrow and get a couple of wins under my belt then hopefully it should come together.

"The only part of me that was gutted (about missing the Grand Slam) was defending the ranking money if I'm deadly honest. I had them few months off with the injury and I loved it. I loved being away spending time with my family. Since I got back I've had to play everything due to where I am in the rankings and had a lot of exhibitions booked in. Of course I wanted to play in the Grand Slam, it's my career, my life and love. But I missed it and thought we'll have a few days because I know these three or four weeks, you're not going to see me. I'm either going to be playing tournaments, exhibitions or be in my man cave practicing. So it's nice to get away and come back feeling refreshed."

Speaking in a recent interview which he referenced, he said that he has changed from his previous lackadaisical approach to the Finals due to his ranking woes knowing that his place atop the darting tree is under threat.

"I said my form at the Players Championship (Finals) is absolutely pathetic. They said why is that and I think it's because I'm always so focused on the World Championship but this year it's different. My ranking my vulnerability my position for the Premier League and World Series is very under scrutiny so I've got to put in a good performance this weekend. I believe I'm in the right mind frame and ability that I can win it this weekend."

But that despite the big names losing left right and centre, he tried to stay diplomatic but said that the Premier League is commercial so can't really deviate too much as it's a commercial entity and puts bums on seats.

"I don't think anyone expects to be in. I think if you're looking for my personal opinion. There are so many people that have earned it more than me but the Premier League is a commercial entity. It's what brings all the money in and if you throw someone in that no one doesn't really know how is that going to do. Is that what people want to see?"