Nathan Aspinall forced to drop out of World Series of Darts Finals

PDC
Wednesday, 11 September 2024 at 12:20
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Nathan Aspinall has dropped out of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam this weekend. 'The Asp's' spot will be taken over by former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.
Aspinall played his last match in the second round of the World Matchplay, when he lost 11-8 to James Wade. The Englishman was again suffering from an old tendon injury in his arm and began treatment after the World Matchplay.
He underwent shockwave therapy all summer and hoped to make his comeback at the World Series of Darts Finals at AFAS Live this weekend. However, after further scans, the Stockport-based darter has been referred for additional treatment, preventing Aspinall from participating in the Dutch capital.
"I've said all along that I only want to return to playing once my arm has recovered sufficiently," said Aspinall to the PDC. "I've been making good progress with my treatment but my latest scans have come back and I need more treatment this week, and reluctantly I will have to miss the World Series of Darts Finals."
However, the two-time major winner stressed that he could make his comeback soon. '"I'm getting closer to being able to play again and I hope I can get back to action soon - but only when I'm confident that I've recovered and won't be risking further damage."
Based on PDC rules, Aspinall will be replaced by the highest seeded player who lost in the last final round of the Tour Card Holder Qualifier for the World Series of Darts Finals. That was Andrew Gilding, who may therefore take on Wessel Nijman in the first round.
Aspinall still has some chances to make his comeback later this month. Four more Players Championship tournaments (Sept. 17-18 and 24-25) and two Euro Tour tournaments (Sept. 20-22 and 27-29) will be played.