“Nathan Aspinall never gives up, he’s one of the biggest fighters on Tour” – Danny Noppert praises downed rival after dramatic Dortmund duel

Danny Noppert hailed Nathan Aspinall as “a real fighter” after defeating the number one seed in a gripping last-16 clash at the 2025 European Championship.

The Dutchman edged through with a 10-7 victory in Dortmund, producing a string of clinical finishes — 70 (twice), 94 and 130 — to seal yet another quarter-final spot at one of his favourite events.

“Nathan’s always very sporting,” Noppert said afterwards in conversation with Dartsnews.com and others. “He said ‘brilliant finish’ — that my finishing was great. We’re both fighters; he never gives up and neither do I. Maybe he didn’t play his best, but I’m really happy with how I finished.”

“Of course I was thinking about that — Nathan never gives up, and he’s one of the biggest fighters on tour. Even with a lead, I knew I had to stay focused until the end. I think we’re a bit similar in character that way.”

A tournament that keeps bringing out his best

For Noppert, the European Championship has become something of a comfort zone. His record reads quarter-final, quarter-final, semi-final, semi-final — and now another appearance in the last eight. “I don’t really know — it just happens,” he smiled. “Sometimes things just click on a certain stage, and that seems to happen here. I’m in a good mood, playing well, and it all comes together.”

Since lifting the UK Open trophy in 2022, the Dutchman has evolved into one of the sport’s most reliable performers. “Yeah, I’m a different player now,” he reflected. “I learn every week, of course. Earlier this season on the European Tour I started really badly, but I finished strongly — ended up 17th — and that helped me a lot. The last few tournaments I’ve been there or thereabouts, so I’m happy with how it’s going.”

Despite that consistency, Noppert rarely dominates headlines — a situation he’s perfectly comfortable with.

“I’m happy with how I do things. It’s up to the media and the fans to decide who they want to talk about,” he said. “I always try to be myself — that’s most important. Family is number one for me. I respect the media, of course, but I don’t worry about what’s said. I just do my job.”

“I don’t need to be the centre of attention,” he added with a grin.

After a flat start to the year, Noppert admits he has rediscovered his rhythm just when it matters most. “I’m not sure why it didn’t click earlier — maybe because we play so many tournaments through the year,” he said. “I started a bit flat, but now I’ve found my focus again. I’m back in the top 10 or around 11th place, and I’m really happy with my form over the last couple of months. This is the most important part of the year, and so far I’m doing well.”

Sunday’s quarter-final brings a rematch with Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko — a player who will have the full Dortmund crowd behind him.

“Yeah, before our match he reminded me about that match last year,” Noppert laughed. “But he’s a very good player and he’ll have the German crowd behind him. I just need to focus on my own game again.”

Noppert’s win over Aspinall once again showcased his finishing prowess — a product of hours spent balancing practice between scoring and checkouts.

“When I practise, it’s about 50/50,” he explained. “Finishing is the most important part of the game, but you have to score well too. So I work on both equally.”

That work is clearly paying off. “Winning more games gives you more confidence. My average today was over 100, same as yesterday, and that makes you feel more comfortable on stage.”

Long known for his calm presence, Noppert has displayed flashes of emotion in recent tournaments — something he puts down to simple passion.

“I don’t know — maybe this tournament a bit less than at the Grand Prix, but any emotion comes from my heart,” he said. “When you perform well, you feel good — and then you celebrate. It’s natural.”

Despite strong form and growing calls for inclusion in Premier League or World Series events, Noppert is keeping expectations steady. “I want to win tournaments — that’s always the goal,” he said. “I’d like to finish in the top 8, maybe higher. But I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. Step by step.”

As the quarter-finals loom, Noppert’s blend of composure and precision continues to make him one of the sport’s most dangerous dark horses.