Two-time PDC major winner, Nathan Aspinall has backed his pal Michael Smith to climb back up the rankings in 2025 – although he’d quite like him to delay that resurgence for at least one night.
The Asp opens his Grand Slam campaign on Saturday evening in Wolverhampton against none other than his mate Bullyboy – and while he’s thrilled to see the former world champ back on TV, he’s equally happy to remind him that friendship stops at the oche.
“He’s been through the wringer,” Aspinall said. “Wrist, shoulder, foot, arthritis – the poor lad’s practically got a loyalty card at A&E. But he’s grafted, stayed focused, and you can see it starting to click again. I’m buzzing to see him back… well, buzzing until I have to play him.”
For those not familiar with northern English slang, buzzing is a term meaning excited, he hasn’t suddenly turned into a wasp. Aspinall, who’ll also face world number one Luke Humphries and American newcomer Alex Spellman in what looks a proper “Group of Death,” believes Smith’s best darts are returning after a long, injury-riddled spell that sent him tumbling down the rankings.
“He’s done it his way,” Nathan explained. “When I hit a wall, I went out and got help. Michael? He just kept his head down and fought through it. That’s him all over. Never lost his throw, just lost his confidence for a while. You saw him last weekend – he was brilliant again.”
Then came the punchline: “He deserves to be here. Hopefully, he plays awful against me on Saturday and then amazing the rest of the week. He’s a proper player again now, and I’d be shocked if he’s not back in the top 15 next year.”
It’s been a rough year for Smith by his own lofty standards. A dozen tournaments, 19 first-round exits, and a slide to 30th in the world rankings. For a player who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy less than two years ago, that’s a serious dip.
No Premier League. No Matchplay. No Grand Prix. For once, Smith was watching the big TV nights instead of playing in them. But after grinding his way through the Grand Slam qualifiers, the St Helens – Grand Slam Champion in 2022 – star is back under the lights – with a point to prove and plenty of tungsten firepower still in the tank.
As for Aspinall? He’s keeping it light-hearted but knows Saturday could be spicy. Two mates, one oche, and bragging rights on the line.
Deep down, Nathan is probably thinking “Let’s just hope he saves his best for Luke Humphries.”
—–ENDS—–
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