Nathan Aspinall, the renowned darts player, has stirred the pot by calling on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to exclude Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson from the upcoming Premier League Darts competition. With his competitive spirit fired up, Aspinall believes players should compete out of passion rather than mere obligation.
After struggling throughout 2024 and finishing fifth among eight competitors, Aspinall now finds himself at twelfth place in the world rankings. Luke Littler, the 17-year-old prodigy, clinched the title this year, raising the stakes even higher for Aspinall. He understands he may miss the cut for the 2025 edition of the Premier League, but he remains hopeful of securing his spot through stellar performances at the World Darts Championship.
Aspinall argues against giving spots to players who express disinterest. "You know what, it really grates on me (players saying they don't want to play in the Premier League)," he stated, clearly frustrated. His remarks highlight not just his feelings toward Price and Anderson but also reflect broader concerns within the darts community about commitment to the sport.
Price has voiced his uncertainty about participating, admitting he would be "stupid" to refuse if invited. Meanwhile, Anderson, who has amassed plenty of accolades, has no such hesitations. He bluntly remarked, "Premier League, you know what I think, I'm at the age now where I've done it, got the t-shirt, thank you very much but no." This lack of enthusiasm for the prestigious tournament has irked Aspinall, who views it as unfair.
Aspinall’s frustration stems from the belief he embodies the enthusiasm and dedication the Premier League deserves. "Why should they get the spot when people like myself... okay, I've had a bad year and I don't deserve it, but I want it and I will bring something," he remarked passionately. The 33-year-old pledged to give "110 per cent every single night on stage," contrasting himself with veteran pros who seem to lack the same zeal for competition.
The PDC has specific criteria, mandatorily including the top four ranked players, with the remaining spots filled by wildcards. If the likes of Anderson and Price are included but unwilling to compete, it could tarnish the PDC's reputation. Aspinall articulated this concern, emphasizing, "If they put them in, it looks bad on the PDC, in my opinion."
Looking forward to the World Darts Championship, which Aspinall hopes will pave his way back to the Premier League, he faces tough competition starting with the second round on December 18, where he will battle the winner between Cameron Menzies and Leonard Gates. Success here could prove pivotal not only for his ranking but for his aspirations to participate passionately and earnestly.
Fans have noted Aspinall’s competitive spirit and his desire to reclaim his place as one of the sport's leading figures. After finishing fifth this year, he remains focused on what lies ahead. While Aspinall acknowledges past shortcomings, his drive and determination continue to shine through.
Overall, Aspinall's candid remarks lend insight not just to his aspirations, but also to the larger conversation about player commitment within professional darts. His call to prioritize genuine enthusiasm for competition raises questions about how the PDC selects its players and how it aims to sustain the sport's competitive integrity.
With the Premier League Darts season set to commence on February 6 in Belfast and conclude with playoffs on May 29 at London's O2 Arena, the focus will be on who truly desires to don the darting spotlight. Aspinall's passionate stance has opened the dialogue around inclusiveness and accountability, ensuring the stage remains vibrant with enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.
