Nathan Aspinall made a surprise admission about his career status in an emotional interview after his incredible Premier League darts win on Thursday night.
'The Asp' has won two PDC major titles in his career and reached the World Darts Championship finals on two occasions, as well as finishing as the runner up in the 2020 Premier League darts.
Many questioned his inclusion in this year's Premier League darts lineup but after 10 nights, Aspinall finds himself in the top four and on course for a spot in the play-offs following a memorable victory on home soil in Manchester.
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Aspinall was eliminated in the first round against Stephen Bunting in Berlin last week but pulled it together at the AO Arena.
He beat Rob Cross and Michael van Gerwen back-to-back before defeating Luke Humphries in the final in a monumental victory which moved him into fourth spot in the overall league table.
The Stockport-born player has to battle with dartitis - a psychological condition that affects darts players and their performances on the oche.
After a recent blip, Aspinall told his wife that he was ready to call it quits but he had found his form again and his incredible spirit helped him secure a stunning triumph on his home night.
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"I've got a few issues and sometimes it doesn't look pretty on TV, or whatever, but I found a way to cope with it," the world No.7 said in an honest interview with Sky Sports.
"It affects me, but I'm winning and I'm winning tournaments and it's one of them, either quit and give up and go home or you own it and you make it part of the game, and that's what I've decided to do
"And you know what? I'm so happy. I'm in a really good place. I'm winning. And tonight, you know what? Five weeks ago. Well, I was really struggling. I said to Kirstie [Aspinall's wife]. I can't be doing this anymore and then the last three weeks I've proved why I'm still playing because I'm one of the best players in the world.
"I've been through an absolute horrendous two years. I'm a fighter, I'm a warrior. People call me a jack russell and I think that's why I'm here. But I don't know when I'm beaten.
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"I will never ever give up and these last three weeks have proved why."
Next up for Aspinall and the rest of the Premier League darts lineup is night 11 in Rotterdam on 17 April. His first round match will see him take on Gerwyn Price, who he is level on points with.
Topics: Darts, World Darts Championship
Josh Lawless