Nathan Aspinall believes his place at the top of the arrow is under threat but the Premier League nominations are unlikely to change that much despite the new winners and the unpredictability of the sport, as well as the big names dropping out a bit in terms. form will be changed.
Aspinall admitted after his win against friend Chris Dobey that the game was a difficult task because of their close bond, but “business is business” and he can now look forward to Saturday in Minehead.
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“It’s tough. We knew for two weeks that we were going to play each other and he’s one of my best friends and it’s not nice to play against him. But I have to go there and my job. I switched to the K-Flex flights last week and the scoring has been really good in training and preparation. It’s just my finish,” Aspinall told Online Darts after his 6- 1.
“Dobey wasn’t really running, I don’t know what happened. Luckily he wasn’t there because he’s been amazing this year. His form on the floor is incredible. It was a difficult game for a lot of reasons .”
“I took a couple of weeks off because obviously I wasn’t allowed to take part in the Grand Slam, so hopefully I’ll have some practice tonight. I’ll be here tomorrow morning and hopefully get a few wins and then hopefully .it should work out.”
“The only part of me that was upset about (missing the Grand Slam) was defending the prize money, if I’m being completely honest. I had a couple of months off because of the injury and I really liked it. I loved spending time with my family. Since I’m back, I had to play everything because I’m so low in the rankings and I had a lot of tournaments booked. Of course I wanted to play in the Grand Slam, it’s my way my life and my love But I lost it and I thought we would take a few days because I know I won’t be seen for three or four weeks either I’m playing tournaments, exhibitions or I’m a man training a cave so it’s nice “To get out and come back again.”
In a recent interview he referred to, he said that due to his weak position and the knowledge that his place at the top of the darts world is under threat, he is not approaching the Players Championship Finals as calmly as he it was before.
“I said my form at the Players Championship (Final) is absolutely pathetic. They asked why that is and I think it’s because I’m always so focused on the World Championship, but in this year it’s different. My ranking, my vulnerability, my position for the Premier League and the World Series is under test so I have to perform well this weekend, I believe that the attitude and the I have the right skills to win this weekend.”
But despite the big names being lost left and right, he tried to remain diplomatic but said the Premier League was a commercial enterprise and therefore could not go too far as he put it audience.
“I don’t think anyone expects him to be there. I think if you ask my personal opinion. There are so many people who deserve it more than me, but the Premier League is a commercial enterprise. It gives that’s all the money in, and if you upset someone that no one knows how they’re going to do, is that what people want to see?”
By Nic Gayer
How has Nathan Aspinall’s switch to K-Flex flights influenced his performance on the dartboard?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Nathan Aspinall
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Nathan Aspinall! It’s great to have you with us today. You just had a big win against your friend Chris Dobey. Can you walk us through your mindset going into such a challenging match against someone you’re close to?
Nathan Aspinall: Thanks for having me! Yeah, it was definitely a tough match. Knowing I was going to compete against one of my best friends for two weeks really put a bit of pressure on me. I had to keep reminding myself that while we have that bond, once you’re on that stage, it’s business. You have to go out there and perform.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, it must be hard to find that balance. You mentioned you switched to K-Flex flights recently—what motivated that change, and how has it impacted your game?
Nathan Aspinall: I’ve been really pleased with the K-Flex flights. In training, my scoring has been great, and I’ve been feeling confident in my throws. But finishing has been a bit tricky. I hope with more practice, I can refine that and get back to my best.
Time.news Editor: Let’s talk about the current climate of darts. With major names fluctuating in their form, do you feel your position at the top is under threat?
Nathan Aspinall: I think every player is always in danger of losing their spot, especially now when the sport is so unpredictable. However, the Premier League nominations may not shift too much, even with new winners emerging. There’s a mix of talent, but I believe consistency will prevail.
Time.news Editor: What about your recent absence from the Grand Slam? You mentioned it was a time off with your family, but you also had concerns about defending your prize money. How do you balance personal life with such high expectations in your career?
Nathan Aspinall: It was a unique situation. I loved spending time with my family after my injury, but it’s always tough to watch your rankings change when you’re not out there competing. Coming back, I was eager to play in every tournament to regain some stability. It’s definitely a juggling act, and it’s all about finding that right balance.
Time.news Editor: With all these experiences, what are your goals heading into the upcoming competitions, particularly on Saturday in Minehead?
Nathan Aspinall: The goal is always to win, of course! After my recent matches and the adjustments I’ve made, I’m feeling optimistic. I plan to put in a good practice session and hit that stage ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.
Time.news Editor: do you have any advice for aspiring darts players who look up to you as a role model?
Nathan Aspinall: My advice would be to stay patient and stay dedicated. The road can be long and tough, but if you love the game and are willing to work hard, there’s nothing stopping you. Surround yourself with supportive people, keep practicing, and the results will come.
Time.news Editor: Thanks, Nathan, for sharing your insights! Best of luck in your upcoming matches—I’m sure your fans are rooting for you!
Nathan Aspinall: Thank you! I appreciate the support and look forward to getting back on that stage.
