Aspinall Targets Further Success

Nathan Aspinall (PDC)

NATHAN ASPINALL admits that Wednesday's Players Championship victory has given him the taste for further titles.

The former World Youth Championship finalist followed up wins on the PDC's Development Tour and Challenge Tour circuits by claiming his maiden senior victory in Barnsley.

The success sealed Aspinall's debuts in the Players Championship Finals and William Hill World Darts Championship later this year and is a major step forward in the 27-year-old's career.

"I know I've always had the game but it's doing it on the board," said Aspinall.

"I've been around for years and everyone always says I've got the potential to do things but I never do it, I'm always just coming up short.

"I have won and now I've had that winning feeling I want more. Today has been absolutely brilliant.

"I've been playing now for four or five years and this is the first time I've got past the quarter-final stage [on the ProTour].

"The field opened up to be fair but I've been playing well and it all clicked together.

"I rode my luck, but to win these kind of events you have to have a bit of luck on the way - but I had one dart to win games at five-all and I took them. That shows bottle."

Aspinall had to win back his PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School in January, but became the latest newcomer to claim ProTour success this year by picking up the £10,000 title.

"I got my Tour Card back in January and I got a new manager, who has enabled me to quit my job, which I think has been key," he added. "I've been practising, putting the hours in.

"I'm so proud of myself because I've been struggling for the last six months prior to the break, and it's brilliant. This is massive for me."