Nathan Aspinall is set to continue his quest at the 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship this Saturday afternoon, as he prepares to face Andrew Gilding at London’s prestigious Alexandra Palace. Aspinall, who began his campaign with a victory over Leonard Gates before the Christmas break, is hoping to make his mark on the tournament.
The 33-year-old Stockport native overcame Gates with relative ease, winning the match 3-1. While Gates had pulled off an impressive upset against Cameron Menzies earlier, his form faltered against Aspinall, who managed to capitalize on the American’s weaker gameplay. Aspinall stated, "It was a tough game of darts, but I felt good coming to the tournament," emphasizing his readiness to take on the competition.
Despite his current momentum, Aspinall has faced significant challenges over the past year. He has been out of form, having endured a two-month injury lay-off during the summer. His struggles were compounded by the disappointment of losing to Ricky Evans at last year's World Championship, which left him eager to redeem himself. "I have received a lot of scrutiny this year because of bad form, so I want to prove how good I am," Aspinall reflected.
Aspinall's determination is not just about overcoming personal hurdles; it's also about altering the narrative around his skills. "I am a good darts player, but some people don’t see me as a good darts player," he declared, underscoring the mental toughness he has developed over years of competing at higher levels. Known for his resilience, Aspinall is resolved to shift perceptions and earn respect within the darts community.
His upcoming match against Gilding marks another opportunity for Aspinall to showcase his talent. Gilding, also aiming for success, is competing for the first time at the Alexandra Palace as he seeks to reach the last 16 for the first time. The competition level remains fierce, especially with the recent conclusion of the two opening rounds, which saw 14 seeded players eliminated—a record number. Notable players like Gary Anderson, Michael Smith, and Rob Cross were among those unexpectedly knocked out.
Adding to the excitement, Luke Humphries lifted the 2023/24 title last year and secured the World No. 1 rank after overcoming teen sensation Luke Littler, illustrating the unpredictable nature of this year’s championship. This year's atmosphere has been charged with incredible performances and growing narratives, setting the stage for unforgettable moments.
The World Darts Championship kicked off on December 15 and will conclude on January 3, 2025. Afternoon sessions begin at 12:30 PM GMT, with evening sessions at 7 PM GMT. Following the tournament's traditional format, matches initially take place over five sets, progressing to seven, nine, and eventually eleven as the tournament narrows down to its finalists.
For fans eager to catch the action, the championship is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW TV and PDCTV. Coverage of the tournament is also accessible through various international partners, including DAZN and Viaplay, alongside continuous updates and match coverage provided by SunSport's live blog.
Communicating his commitment to the game, Aspinall expressed, "No one else is as tough as me mentally. This means more to me than anyone else in the world," demonstrating the passion and drive he brings to every match. His mentality—as highlighted by fellow competitors—could potentially propel him past earlier limitations and set the stage for greater achievements.
With the draw set, Aspinall's match against Gilding will undoubtedly be one to watch, not just for the outcome but for the spirited performances emblematic of this thrilling championship. All eyes will be on Alexandra Palace as fans and competitors alike await what lies next.
