Nathan Aspinall has joked that there are a “couple of idiots” on the Premier League Darts line-up. The Asp is one of eight stars bidding for glory in this year’s competition, with Luke Littler battling to defend his crown.
Aspinall, Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price and Chris Dobey make up this year’s line-up. It is an extremely strong group of players and the competition to qualify for the play-offs is high.
The 33-year-old says most of the players are serious about winning the tournament, although there are a “couple of idiots” – including himself – who are simply there to enjoy it.
“Every year it gets stronger. We’ve got a line-up of serious focused players and a couple of idiots like me who just enjoy it!” Aspinall told BetMGM.
“Anyone making the top four let alone winning it over the tournament has done very well – hopefully it’s me lifting the trophy.”
Interest in darts has grown exponentially over the past few years. Many have put that down to the rise of Littler, the 18-year-old reigning world champion who has taken the sport by storm. Humphries has also been dominant and remains the world No. 1.
Littler has increased the sport’s popularity with his world championship and Premier League titles, among others. Aspinall points out that all the players have benefitted from more people watching darts.
“We joke about how big the sport has got just because of Luke, but we’re seeing the benefits as players as well,” he continued.
“When you get to the Premier League, that is a whole new level. I don’t think the growth is going to stop – darts could be as big as golf and tennis. Just keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully that happens.”
The Premier League heads to Dublin tonight for night three. Last week’s action in Glasgow was marred by crowd disorder, with members of the audience whistling during matches. Price whistled back, while finalists Littler and Humphries aired their frustration afterwards.
Aspinall faces Cross in tonight’s quarter-final, while Littler goes up against Price. Humphries and Bunting meet, and Van Gerwen’s opponent is Dobey.
Littler won last week’s final 6-5 against Humphries, while the latter won night one Belfast. Both players will attempt to pick up their second victory of the campaign, with others battling to get off the mark.
