Nathan Aspinall battled past Matt Campbell and now will face another player he didn't want to face in Luke Littler at the US Darts Masters.
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Aspinall spoke afterwards admitting that he's under the weather and that he is suffering from what is similar to food poisoning and that it made a tough draw worse.
"Full credit to the PDC I did my media but they kind of gave me the night off and I needed it. I don't know what I've got food poisoning I don't know, I've got my money's worth out of my toilet in my hotel room.
"I knew I had a tough game in Matt (Campbell), he was the toughest player out of the field and I knew I had to produce some good numbers. The 180's were flowing but great game great support and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow."
"I've not threw a dart since an exhibition on Saturday night where Adrian Lewis beat me yet again. Come out here, Kirsty as I said isn't with me. It's not often I say but I'm really missing her. It's quite a lonely place when you're on your own."
He lauded Campbell and was glad to get through the toughest test on paper but after not winning since Las Vegas in 2019, he is craving another World Series title.
"I've played Matt twice now in New York, he's had his breakthrough year. I love Matt to bits we get on really well, we have a beer together after the darts. He took the risk and commuted as he does. Fair play to him, he's playing really well at the moment. It looks like I don't like him but I genuinely do like him."
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"I'm craving a World Series title. I've not won one since 2019, I think I'm a better player than that. Last year I played every single one and I wasn't even a seed."
Asked about Jules van Dongen's dartitis, Aspinall admitted that he hasn't received any correspondence asking for help but that he would reach out to The Dutch Dragon.
"He's not reached out to me, if he reaches out to me I'll be there for him. I spoke to Berry van Peer when I started mine, he's been through something worse than me. I've not seen Jules throw, I don't know what he's going through. I heard he's playing left handed, that's not the answer. I will speak to him try to put him in the right direction but he's not approached me yet."
"I seeked my own advice, I speak to a hypnotherapy guy. If he sees this interview come and talk to me as I'll help anyone out. I hope he sorts it."
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.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.