Aspinall Shaping Up Nicely for the Worlds Despite Grand Slam Disappointment

It was the proverbial' Group of death' at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts.

World number one Luke Humphries was pitched into Group A alongside former world champion Michael Smith, another major winner in Nathan Aspinall and the talented Alex Spellman, who is the reigning CDC Continental Cup champion.

After some tight battles, it was Humphries and Smith who progressed from the Group to the knockout phase. But it was Aspinall who perhaps caught the eye with his power scoring, which signals that The Asp is finding some of his best form at just the right time of the season.

 

World Domination

Humphries, of course, will be one of the most popular World Darts Championship bets when the biggest tournament of them all returns to the Alexandra Palace in December and January – juicy odds of 9/2 about the former world champion are available.

But those seeking extra value in their darts betting may just be minded to take a second look at Aspinall, whose price of 50/1 will surely appeal given his status as a two-time major winner and former World Championship semi-finalist.

Thank you too each and everyone of you for your support this week 

World Matchplay Champion 2023  pic.twitter.com/GCdCqGaYus

— Nathan Aspinall (@NathanAspi) July 24, 2023

The signs are strong that the Stockport thrower may just be edging towards his best work if his performances at the Grand Slam are anything to go by.

Aspinall had Smith on toast in their Group A opener, but simply could not find a way to finish off the Bully Boy – all told, The Asp missed a staggering 20 darts at a double in his 3-5 defeat.

He defeated Spellman 5-2, before a must-win clash with Humphries in his final outing in Wolverhampton.

Aspinall threw five 180s and averaged 100.01, but Humphries was in unstoppable form, averaging 102 himself in a high-quality contest that Cool Hand took by a scoreline of 5-3.

The Asp was left shaking his head in disbelief on stage, such was the nature of Humphries' performance. But the 34-year-old can take plenty from his efforts in Wolverhampton into the Players Championship Finals and then, of course, the year-ending World Championship.

 

The Nearly Man

As a former World Matchplay and UK Open champion, Aspinall has the pedigree of a player who could go on to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.

That's evidenced by his run to the semi-finals at the 2019 and 2020 editions, where he was downed by Smith and Michael van Gerwen, respectively.

The Asp has beaten the likes of Gary Anderson and Dimitri Van den Bergh on the Ally Pally stage, so while the venue hasn't always been a happy hunting ground for him, he at least knows he has what it takes to mix it with the best there.

 

 

Although it’s a condition that can return at any time, Aspinall seems to have shaken off the dartitis that has previously hampered his game – he has spoken candidly about the impact that has had on his throw, so he can head to the capital this December with confidence.

Throwing as well as he has done for some time, with a pair of nine-dart legs on the same day at a Players Championship event in October, Aspinall could well upset the odds once more with a deep run at the World Championships.