Nathan Aspinall is no stranger to dealing with adversity, and just months after overcoming a potentially career-threatening injury, the Stockport star is bidding to cap off his remarkable revival with Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts glory in Wolverhampton.
Aspinall was plagued by a serious wrist injury during the latter stages of 2021, and following his early exit at last year’s World Darts Championship, he underwent a six-week period of rehabilitation earlier this year.
The injury - affecting the tendons in the wrist of his throwing arm – forced Aspinall to withdraw from January’s season-opening Masters, and it also left him fearing for his long-term future in the sport.
However, less than 12 months later, the former UK Open champion is closing in on a return to the world’s top ten, fresh from scooping a brace of Players Championship titles while also reaching a televised final at the World Grand Prix.
It marks an incredible turnaround in fortunes for Aspinall, who is poised to make his Grand Slam return at the Aldersley Leisure Village from November 12-20.
“When something is so close to being taken away, you appreciate what you’ve actually had and that’s what I am doing now,” reflected Aspinall, a Grand Slam quarter-finalist in 2020.
“Not knowing whether I was going to play at the elite level again – it was tough.
“I am just happy to be playing and from where I was six months ago, I never thought I’d be making a TV final or winning tournaments this year.
“I think the way I’ve bounced back shows the type of character I am. I’m a fighter. I love this sport and I love the life that I have.
“I’m so proud of the way I’ve responded and hopefully this is just the start, and I can make the story even better by picking up a big title this year.”
Aspinall sealed his Grand Slam qualification after reaching last month’s World Grand Prix final, where he defeated three top ten stars to secure a place in his first TV final since October 2020.
The 31-year-old claimed the scalps of Michael Smith, Danny Noppert and world number one Gerwyn Price in Leicester, before succumbing to Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final.
He also finished third on the Players Championship Order of Merit after winning a brace of ProTour titles in 2022, and now he’s determined to add to his big stage haul in Wolverhampton.
“I have got to be happy with what I’ve achieved, but I would love a big title,” admitted Aspinall, who followed up his UK Open success in 2019 with US Darts Masters glory just a matter of months later.
“2019 was a long, long time ago now! I need to get my name on a trophy again and hopefully that will happen in Wolverhampton.
“The Grand Slam is a massive tournament, and it would be great to get my hands on the title.
“It’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to it, the confidence is high and I really think I can do some damage.
“My management team and my family – we know a big win is around the corner. I can feel it. I know what I’m doing in practice, I know what I’m doing in tournaments, and I do believe it’s coming.”