The 2023 World Darts Championship has seen strong performances, and one of the highlights was when Nathan Aspinall faced off against Leonard Gates. On December 19, 2024, Aspinall, ranked 12th, managed to edge past Gates with a score of 3-1 at the iconic Alexandra Palace stage.
Aspinall came under the spotlight after his unexpected early exit from the previous year's championship, and he felt the weight of expectations as he entered this year’s tournament. The match was nerve-wracking, showcasing Aspinall’s tenacity and his will to prove his critics wrong. "I'm relieved to come through. It was a very tough game of darts," Aspinall commented post-match. He added, "I felt really good coming to the tournament but I put myself under too much pressure to perform tonight." While the victory was sweet, it was far from flawless, as he acknowledged the need for improvement going forward.
Gates, aged 54, entered the match following his own emotional victory against Cameron Menzies, where he had to overcome some challenges. Before becoming a darting sensation, Gates enjoyed considerable exposure as a baseball player. He reflected on his sporting past, saying, "Baseball is my first love. I still do some activities with baseball." His decision to switch to darts stemmed from the physical toll baseball took on his body, leading to his introduction to the game during downtime from various baseball seasons.
The match itself oscillated with high tensions. Gates displayed flashes of brilliance, including checking out 106 for a break of throw at one point, only for Aspinall to retaliate with his own impressive checkout of 114. Through the early stages, both players demonstrated their prowess; nonetheless, Aspinall's experience began to shine as the contest progressed. By the end, Gates had leveled things up from behind but couldn't keep the momentum.
The realization of the stakes was palpable for Aspinall, who survived some close calls as Gates threatened to force the match to a deciding set. "It wasn't pretty, but I won the game and now I can enjoy Christmas and come back stronger after the break," Aspinall shared, acknowledging the pressure of the stage and the performance history leading to this moment.
Meanwhile, Leonard Gates' walk-on capturing the hearts of spectators showed he was not just participating but embracing the spectacle of the event. He lit up the atmosphere by mirroring Fortnite dance moves, drawing cheers from the crowd. This was emblematic of his charismatic personality, which endears him to darts fans.
On the same night as the Aspinall-Gates encounter, Christian Kist achieved notable fame by scoring a nine-darter during his match, marking the moment as the 15th of its kind at the Worlds. Unfortunately for Kist, the remarkable achievement was not enough to secure him the win, as he fell short against Madars Razma. Kist commented, "The nine-darter was an amazing moment, hitting the double 12 felt amazing. It was lovely for everyone, and I hope Kris enjoys the money," referring to the financial benefits awarded for hitting the perfect leg.
Gates' aim to reach the later stages saw him surmount challenges, but he will need to capitalize on these experiences moving forward. The depth of this year's competition suggests exciting matchups lie ahead, with Aspinall's upcoming challenges potentially shaping the final phases of the championship.
Looking on, the anticipation continues to build. The tournament schedule promises thrilling darts, with fans eagerly awaiting more high-stakes matches. Aspinall's next encounter is against either Andrew Gilding, Martin Lukeman, or Nitin Kumar, as he aims to forge his way through to the finals.
The spirit of competition remains high as this year’s World Darts Championship progresses. With players like Aspinall and Gates showcasing their talents, the stage is set for more exhilarating moments, captivating spectators worldwide, and adding to the lore of darts as we know it.
Fans can expect thrilling competitions leading up to the conclusion on January 3, where champions will emerge from the intense battles observed during this iconic event.
