"I've learned from that and I'll come back stronger" - Nathan Aspinall reflects on early World Championship exit

For Nathan Aspinall, the past World Darts Championship turned into a major disappointment. But the 32-year-old Englishman wants to come back stronger than ever.

Aspinall lost 3-0 to Ricky Evans in his opening match. "The preparation was fantastic. Me and Michael Smith on the practice board were fantastic, I think what happened was I just put too much pressure on myself," Aspinall said. "I've learned from that and I'll come back stronger but yeah, very disappointed."

As Aspinall is in the top 16 of the rankings for the European Tour, he is guaranteed a starting spot for those tournaments. The PDC recently announced new qualification criteria for the European Tour, effective immediately.

One of the biggest changes is the participation of the top 16 on the Order of Merit. These players will start in the first round of European Tour tournaments, while the Top 16 on the Pro Tour Order of Merit will enter from the second round. "It was a bonus for me I won't lie," Aspinall said of the changes although he understands the frustration of the other players.

"The thing is, I see it in both aspects. I spoke to Andy Boulton, he was obviously raging about it, saying, 'How are we supposed to catch you guys up?'" Aspinall admits. "I do get it, it's so tough for them now. But in the same respect, I started off winning my Tour Card and I've gone to the Worlds, make a semi-final, won a major to get myself in those positions and become a seed."