New York City – one of the most vibrant places on Earth, famously dubbed The City That Never Sleeps. But multiple PDC major winner Nathan Aspinall is bored. And the reason? The missus stayed home this time around.
Once again, Online Darts’ very own Phill Barrs – who’s certainly not short of things to do or people to speak with – caught up with The Asp in the Big Apple getting ready for the US Darts Masters. Partly for a chat about darts, mostly to keep him company. So, bored Nathan?
“Yeah! This year, Kirsty stayed home, so I’m on my Jack Jones (Northern English slang for alone) and honestly don’t know what to do with myself this week. Normally we’re out sightseeing, but I told her on the phone this morning – next year you’re coming! Still, it’s nice to get out of Europe and play in America.”
That’s the spirit. Although we’re pretty sure there are one or two fellow dart players knocking about to keep you entertained, Nathan. However, when it comes to growing the game in the States, Aspinall has a good idea of what’s still missing:
“I think what they’re still waiting for is that breakout player. You’ve had Matt Campbell and Jeff Smith – but they’re both Canadian. For the USA, Danny Lauby hasn’t really kicked in, and Stowe Buntz didn’t push on either.
“Hopefully now that it’s on Peacock, we might see a breakthrough – like we did in Australia with Damon Heta. The American darts circuit is growing every year, and you can see the potential. But with the country being so big, all the travelling makes it tough. Once they find that one player to really break through, you’ll start to see a real shift.”
Maybe we clone Luke Littler and teach him to sing The Star-Spangled Banner. Just a thought.
It’s been a strong year for the former Matchplay and UK Open champion, and Aspinall reflected on some key moments – including that Premier League semi-final thriller against Luke Humphries:
“That was a great game of darts – I knew it would be. Going into the O2, I felt really good and took a lot of positives there. I honestly thought I could win the whole thing. But I missed the bull on a big checkout that would’ve had me throwing to go 9–7 up. That’s the sport though – matches can turn on one dart. Still, to make the top four after all the scrutiny about my selection was special.”
Not one to sit around sulking, Aspinall jetted off to a Euro Tour… and won it. Well, jetted off eventually:
“I missed my flight on the Friday morning – had a late night with Humphries on Thursday! I nearly pulled out, but ended up flying Saturday afternoon and only got to the venue an hour and a half before my game. I didn’t really play well until the semi and the final – but somehow I won it. That made it two Euro Tour titles in ten years – and both of them have come recently.”
Like London buses, eh lad? After the emotional chaos of moving house from Stockport to Glossop in Derbyshire, Aspinall says he’s finally found his rhythm again – and not just on the oche.
“I’d say I’m the most content I’ve ever felt as a full package. Took a while to get settled in the new area. For the first twelve months, my family wanted to move back – but we’re happy now. I’m trying to stay fitter, in a great headspace, and I think that’s showing on the dartboard.
“I’m playing a lot more consistently now – probably as much as I have at any point in my career. Everything’s fantastic on and off the oche. Rankings are sorting themselves out, I’m throwing well, and more importantly – I’m enjoying myself.”
Health, happiness, and form are all pointing in the right direction. Now all The Asp needs is a little more success in the shape of silverware. And judging by his appetite – especially in Europe this year, where unlike his beloved Manchester United he’s actually winning finals – Nathan looks more than ready to strike gold again.
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