Nathan Aspinall seals maiden European Tour title in potential career defining European Darts Trophy win over Ryan Joyce
PDC
Nathan Aspinall has claimed a maiden European Tour title which could be a career defining win for 'The Asp' in his pursuit of such tournaments as the World Grand Prix and World Matchplay. He defeated Ryan Joyce to win the European Darts Trophy 8-4.
Aspinall as ever was the darling of the crowd this weekend with his Mr Brightside walk-on. He thrashed Luke Humphries 6-1 earlier today and also produced an epic 170 checkout which was tournament defining against Gary Anderson.
Having not won a title since the World Matchplay in 2023 and with well documented issues with his throw this could be the biggest win yet for the popular Premier League Darts star. While for Joyce despite not winning he is now in a provisional World Matchplay spot and has done his hopes of future success the world of good. But this weekend belongs to 'The Asp'.
Aspinall kicked off with a 180 and took first blood with a 92 checkout for a break of throw at 1-0. He missed 138 for 2-0 and Joyce broke back.
Aspinall missed 129 on double 12 to make it 2-1 but Joyce couldn't hold and 'The Asp' broke. He held to make it 3-1. Aspinall set up 165 to leave 16 meaning Joyce had to hit 103 but he couldn't get a dart and The Asp returned.
He returned twice with Joyce missing chances he couldn't afford to miss as the crowd continued to chant Aspinall's name. He went 4-1 up.
Joyce broke back though to make it 4-2 and was throwing to go one behind. But in similar fashion to the MVG game, Joyce was poor on throw but he got away with it as Aspinall couldn't pounce on a golden chance to make it 5-2 and he was suddenly 4-3 behind.
Joyce held on double 20 to make it 5-4. But Aspinall stretched his lead again to 6-4. He had a sudden shot at 108 but could only set up 52. Joyce took aim at 57 but missed both at double 20 and Aspinall went one away. He pinned 72 and fell down to the floor in delight as he seals an epic title win.
| Ryan Joyce | VS | Nathan Aspinall |
|---|---|---|
| 93.71 | Average (3 Darts) | 98.19 |
| 17 | 100+ Thrown | 11 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 10 |
| 2 | 180 Thrown | 5 |
| 51 | Highest Checkout | 92 |
| 0 | Checkout 100+ | 0 |
| 28.6 | Checkout percentage | 32 |
| 4 / 14 | Checkout | 8 / 25 |
LiveBlog
The wait is over for Aspinall!
| Ryan Joyce | VS | Nathan Aspinall |
|---|---|---|
| 93.71 | Average (3 Darts) | 98.19 |
| 17 | 100+ Thrown | 11 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 10 |
| 2 | 180 Thrown | 5 |
| 51 | Highest Checkout | 92 |
| 0 | Checkout 100+ | 0 |
| 28.6 | Checkout percentage | 32 |
| 4 / 14 | Checkout | 8 / 25 |
Aspinall closes in
Joyce held on double 20 to make it 5-4. But Aspinall stretched his lead again to 6-4.
He had a sudden shot at 108 but could only set up 52. Joyce took aim at 57 but missed both at double 20 and Aspinall went one away.
He is now one away from a maiden European Tour title!
Joyce still in it only just!
Joyce broke back though to make it 4-2 and was throwing to go one behind. But in similar fashion to the MVG game, Joyce was poor on throw.
But he got away with it as Aspinall couldn't pounce on a golden chance to make it 5-2 and he was suddenly 4-3 behind.
Aspinall halfway to victory
He held to make it 3-1. Aspinall set up 165 to leave 16 meaning Joyce had to hit 103 but he couldn't get a dart and The Asp returned.
He returned twice with Joyce missing chances he couldn't afford to miss as the crowd continued to chant Aspinall's name. He went 4-1 up.
Aspinall seals early break
Aspinall kicked off with a 180 and took first blood with a 92 checkout for a break of throw at 1-0. He missed 138 for 2-0 and Joyce broke back.
Aspinall missed 129 on double 12 to make it 2-1 but Joyce couldn't hold and 'The Asp' broke.
Final starts soon...
Aspinall ends heroic display, set to face Joyce
Aspinall slipped into single five going for the 120. Anderson couldn't take the 164.
He had to waste at least one dart to go for the win. But produced double 16 to claim the win.
| Gary Anderson | VS | Nathan Aspinall |
|---|---|---|
| 103.72 | Average (3 Darts) | 99.19 |
| 15 | 100+ Thrown | 15 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 4 |
| 5 | 180 Thrown | 7 |
| 76 | Highest Checkout | 170 |
| 0 | Checkout 100+ | 2 |
| 60 | Checkout percentage | 54.5 |
| 6 / 10 | Checkout | 6 / 11 |
Aspinall saves his skin in stunning fashion
Aspinall had to hit 170 to force a decider with Anderson leaving double 20. The former pinned it in sublime fashion.
Potentially the finish of the year...
Anderson with the throw for final spot
Aspinall hit double eight to make it 5-4. Anderson missed bull for a 170 but returned for 6-4.
Aspinall nestled in a 180 only just to leave 90 on his throw with Anderson breathing down his neck. The latter left 130 and got a shot with Aspinall scratching his head after a poor effort.
Anderson slipped into single one though going for 130 and Aspinall set himself up for 52 which he pinned.
Anderson two away....
Aspinall nearly handed Anderson another break but he snatched 102 to hold for 3-2 down.
Anderson though continued to motor ahead averaging 109. Aspinall hit 57 to hold at 4-3.
He missed a break chance at 121 and Anderson hit 76 on double 10 for 5-3.
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