The 31st edition of the prestigious World Matchplay is set to commence next weekend, and defending champion Nathan Aspinall is eager to retain his title in Blackpool. Last year, ‘The Asp’ impressed with his remarkable performance, defeating a series of formidable opponents, including Krzysztof Ratajski, Danny Noppert, Chris Dobey, and Joe Cullen, to reach the final.
The Title Match
In the title match, Aspinall faced off against Jonny Clayton, who had overcome former winner Dimitri van den Bergh and Luke Humphries to secure his spot in the final. The final proved to be a thrilling encounter, with Aspinall taking an early 3-2 lead after Clayton missed three chances to break. ‘The Asp’ then broke his Welsh opponent in the sixth leg with a stunning 108 finish, but Clayton fought back with a 141 check-out and a 12-darter to level the score at 4-4.
The Turning Point
The third session of the final proved to be the turning point, as Aspinall won five consecutive legs, including an 11-darter and a 12-darter, to establish a commanding 10-5 lead. The defending champion continued to extend his advantage, showcasing his precision with finishes of 170 and 115, to eventually seal the victory with a 16-6 scoreline.
The Road Ahead
Next Saturday, Aspinall will take on his compatriot Luke Woodhouse in the opening round of the 2023 World Matchplay. Should he advance, a potential showdown against the winner of the match between Danny Noppert and James Wade awaits him in the second round.
“The Darts enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the return of the World Matchplay, as the sport’s top players battle it out for the coveted trophy and the chance to etch their names in the history books.”
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