Nathan Aspinall insists his best is yet to come in this year’s Cazoo Premier League, as he bids to secure Play-Off qualification for the third time in as many appearances.
Aspinall has made an impressive start on his return to the Premier League fold, having missed out on last year’s roadshow following back-to-back third-placed finishes in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
The 2020 runner-up also occupies third spot at the halfway point of this year’s league phase, having won six of his eight quarter-finals this season – a record only bettered by Michael van Gerwen.
“I had a game plan at the beginning of the season, and it was to make sure I win that first match, because those two points every week are massive,” said Aspinall.
“The disappointing part is that I’ve not performed in my semi-final games apart from Cardiff, but I’m winning my first game most weeks, so I’m happy.
“All eight players have got great A-games, but they don’t play their best all the time, so it’s down to me to capitalise when they’re not at their best, and I think that’s what I am doing.
“I’ve had games against Michael [van Gerwen] and Gezzy [Price] that have been scrappy, but I’ve just had that little bit more will to win and I think that’s what has got me over the line at times.
“I’m third at the moment without playing my best. I’ve had some time to recharge my batteries, so now I’m looking forward to a big end to the season.”
The Stockport star made a terrific start to this year’s competition, following up an opening night win over Gerwyn Price by producing back-to-back 105 averages to reach Cardiff’s Night Two showpiece.
However, Aspinall is yet to appear in a nightly final since his exploits in the Welsh capital, having lost in five of his six semi-final tussles this season.
“I think I’ve used all my energy, emotion and adrenaline in that first match,” revealed Aspinall, who claims he is still adapting to the nightly knockout format.
“In my first two years of the Premier League it was the old league format. I thought I would adapt easily to this format but I don’t think I have yet.
“I still think I’m playing the old format in my head. To lose five out of the six semi-finals is a pretty poor return.
“I’m trying to address my preparation and hopefully I can turn those semi-final defeats into wins and if that is the case, I will make the top four.”
Aspinall is no stranger to the Premier League spotlight, but after the 2020 and 2021 seasons were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, this marks his first fully-fledged campaign across Europe.
The 31-year-old suffered a serious wrist injury that saw him left out of last year’s tournament, and having feared for his career at one stage, he is savouring his latest taste of Premier League action.
“It’s amazing. This is what dreams are made of,” admitted the former UK Open champion.
“The crowds are massive. Newcastle last week was electric. We’ve had a few that have been absolutely spine-tingling, and Berlin is one I’ve really looked forward to.
“I’ve been out and had a look at the arena. Wow – it’s huge! I sometimes think: ‘Little old Nathan from Stockport, how am I here?’
“I have loved every single minute of it. I cannot thank the PDC enough for believing in me and I think I am proving my worth.”
Ahead of Thursday’s action at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Aspinall boasts a three-point lead over fifth-placed Chris Dobey – his quarter-final opponent in the German capital.
Dobey won the pair’s first meeting on Night One in Belfast back in February, although Aspinall produced a flawless display of finishing to gain revenge on Night Six in Liverpool.
Following their latest showdown in Berlin, Aspinall then faces successive quarter-final ties against Jonny Clayton and Peter Wright, in a three-week period which could define his top four bid.
“Over the next few weeks there are going to be some huge games coming up, where if you lose, you’re letting players back in the mix,” continued the world number ten.
“I’m very good mates with Chris. We travel everywhere together and we’re in the same management stable.
“I had a great game against him in Liverpool last time out. I’m sure it will be another fantastic game tomorrow night and hopefully I come out on top.”
Aspinall is the only player in the Premier League's top five without a nightly win to his name, with Van Gerwen and Price leading the way with three nightly victories apiece.
Michael Smith and Dobey also claimed the spoils in Glasgow and Belfast respectively, although Aspinall insists his sole focus is on sealing Play-Off qualification in May.
“It would be nice to put my name on that list of nightly winners, but if it’s not to be, I don’t mind as long as I’m in that top four,” added the 31-year-old.
“The guys that are in the top four at the moment – I’ve beaten them all many times, I’ve beaten them in big games.
“My aim is to just get in that top four and then it’s all on one night at the O2. Fingers crossed then you turn up on that night, everything clicks and you can become Premier League champion.”
The 2023 Cazoo Premier League will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, Viaplay and VTM, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.
2023 Cazoo Premier League
Night Nine - Thursday March 30
Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin
Quarter-Finals
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Michael Smith
Nathan Aspinall v Chris Dobey
Jonny Clayton v Michael van Gerwen
Peter Wright v Gerwyn Price
Semi-Finals
Van den Bergh/Smith v Aspinall/Dobey
Clayton/Van Gerwen v Wright/Price
Final
v
All matches best of 11 legs