Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

Nathan Aspinall beat Michael Smith 6-4 in the final to win night 12 of Premier League Darts in Rotterdam.

Aspinall showed his fighting qualities for a comeback semi-final triumph over world champion Luke Humphries.

And he maintained the momentum against Smith to claim his second night victory and move above Michael van Gerwen into third place in the table.

Humphries returned to the top on a night where players complained of breezy conditions in the big arena.

Stockport thrower Aspinall won five consecutive legs to overcome Humphries 6-4 in the semi-finals on his way to a second success of the campaign after victory in Exeter on night five.

“I’ve got a reputation of being behind, digging deep and winning games. My opponent might be 4-0 up but in my head I’m better so if you can win four legs, so can I. That was a big win against Luke Humphries tonight,” Aspinall told Sky Sports.

“Me and Smithy are really good mates. We’re going on holiday together next week so it might be a bit awkward.”

Aspinall led 5-3 before Smith hit a stunning 170 checkout in the following leg. But after missing three match darts, the Asp wrapped up victory with double eight.

The 2023 world champion Smith won a last-leg decider against Gerwyn Price to reach the final.

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