Nathan Aspinall enjoyed a fine week at the World Matchplay darts, where his run was only ended by an inspired display from eventual finalist Michael van Gerwen.
The Asp, back to full fitness following a wrist injury threatened to derail his career, battled back from 11-4 down to push the Green Machine all the way in their quarter-final. Aspinall got to within one leg of Van Gerwen, but the Dutchman held his nerve and clinched a 16-14 victory with a stunning 146 checkout.
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old from Stockport could reflect on a positive week and has taken the chance to unwind since his last-eight clash. However, he got a cheeky reminder of his defeat to Van Gerwen when he went for a drink.
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"Of all the tables to get put on. Someone's taking the p*** lol," he tweeted with a picture of a drink on a table which happened to be the number 146.
Many of his followers agreed that staff were having some fun at his expense too, with one replying: "Ha no way they defo are" while another added: "Fair play for seeing the funny side of it, great to see you playing so well after your injury."
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Last year, it was feared the former UK Open champion would require a major operation, which would have ruled him out of action for nine months. The Asp played with medical tape on his arm at the last World Championship and opted to withdraw from the Masters in January.
It emerged he had suffered ligament damage, although that wasn’t the direct cause of the pain he was feeling. He was given the all-clear to carry on playing, a massive relief to the Stockport thrower.
"It's been so tough with the injury, not knowing what I needed to do operation-wise, treatment-wise, but we're finally there," he said earlier this year.
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