'Maybe he’s fearing me a bit at the minute' - Nathan Aspinall hopes to beat Michael van Gerwen in battle for playoffs

Nathan Aspinall believes his regained confidence and form can take him to his first-ever appearance at the O2 Arena in London. 'The Asp' previously qualified for the playoffs of the Premier League Darts in 2020, but due to the corona pandemic, it was then played in Milton Keynes.

The two-time major winner is currently fifth in the rankings, just one point behind Michael van Gerwen, the number four. With three nights of play remaining, the excitement is beginning to build. Next Thursday, the Englishman will play tegn Luke Littler during the fourteenth round of play.

Last week in Birmingham, 'The Asp' kept his hopes alive with a 6-3 victory over a lackluster Chris Dobey. Aspinall has been fine better in recent weeks anyway. He won the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen, and had taken the weekly title at the tenth round of play in Manchester.

Aspinall smells his chance to strike this year. The Englishman finished fifth each of the past two Premier League editions, just outside the playoffs, but this time he feels everything is falling into place.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs in my career but I always find a way to come back. I think it’s just the will to win and succeed," he said.

“Through all the injuries, dartitis and falling out of the top 16 then coming back I just enjoy the challenge.

“The last two Premier League campaigns I have finished fifth. It’s in my hands to change the outcome this year.

“I play Luke and Michael in the final weeks — it is going to be a tough job.”

Notable is Aspinall's self-confidence in duels with Van Gerwen, whom he beat the past three encounters. He believes the Dutchman remains the greatest of all time, but something seems to have changed.

“I still see Michael as the GOAT. When I play Michael I feel different playing him than any other player in the world. Michael knows this. But to be fair the last three times I beat him so maybe he’s fearing me a bit at the minute," Aspinall grinned.

Aspinall is therefore confident that he can make it to the final night. “I’m playing really well and I’m full of confidence at the moment.

“I have the belief I can come out on top this year and make the O2 because I’ve never made it and it’s certainly a dream of mine.”