Redemption for The Asp! Nathan Aspinall puts to bed last year's World Championship disappointment to see off Leonard Gates and ensure post-Christmas return

Nathan Aspinall has capped off one of the most memorable nights of darting action in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship, by reaching round 3 thanks to a 3-1 victory over Leonard Gates.

On a night of epic moments, following Christian Kist's nine-darter and Ricky Evans festive walk-on, Leonard Gates and Nathan Aspinall treated the Ally Pally faithful to two more walk-ons to remember before their second round encounter. With the crowd continued to serenade Aspinall with an a capella rendition of Mr Brightside, long after the darts had begun, the two-time world semi-finalist looked to give his fans plenty to cheer in the opening set, taking the first two legs comfortably. Gates though, fired back with a break of throw in leg 3, but with a 114 checkout, Aspinall secured the first set in style.

Follow the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 via our LIVE SCORE!

Read also

Everything about the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship: Schedule, results, TV guide and prize money

Aspinall continued to look really solid, especially on the outer ring, in set 2, taking the opening leg with a 79 checkout on tops. Although Gates broke straight back in leg 2, Aspinall continued the string of legs going against the darts in leg 3 to regain the advantage. Again though, 'The Asp' couldn't take full advantage as Gates roared back with a confident 4th leg, sending the set to a decider, one in which the American had the darts. Both players had darts for the set in the decider, but eventually it was Gates that took it on double 1, levelling the contest.

Putting the disappointment of missed set darts quickly behind him, Aspinall opened set 3 with an 11-darter. After Gates responded in leg 2, the American was left hopeless on 42 after nine darts in leg 3 as Aspinall pinned double 8 for a 12-dart hold. Despite missing four set darts, Aspinall wasn't punished and pinned double 4 to get back ahead in sets 2-1.

As the Asp opened set 4 with a break of throw, the end suddenly seemed nigh for the American. Taking leg 2 with an 88 finish on the bull and then kicking off leg e with a 180 though, Gates was forcing his way right back into contention. After Gates then missed the bull in the following leg, Aspinall punished on double 7 to get to within one leg of the third round. With Aspinall having the throw in 4th leg and starting it with four perfect darts, he looked in a good position. A couple of trebleless visits opened the door for Gates. Nevertheless Aspinall had a dart at tops for the match, but couldn't capitalise and Gates forced a fifth leg. Getting more matchdarts in that fifth leg, Aspinall pinned double 18 for the victory. 

Read also

VIDEO | Ricky Evans brings the Christmas spirit to the Ally Pally with epic festive walk-on

VIDEO | Christian Kist throws first nine-darter at World Darts Championship 2025 and collects £60,000 mega bonus