Nathan Aspinall claimed the £10,000 top prize at Players Championship 7 in Barnsley on Saturday, beating Brendan Dolan 8-4 in the final to pick up his second title of 2020.
The Premier League star recovered from 4-2 down to seal the win, ending the final with an average of 94 as he reeled off six successive legs – five of which were between 12 and 14 darts.
The former UK Open champion first saw off Alan Tabern before going on to secure wins over Geert Nentjes, Chris Dobey and Vincent van der Voort.
The last eight is where Aspinall produced his standout victory, beating world number one Michael van Gerwen 6-1 to progress to the semi-finals.
Another Dutchman – Danny Noppert – was Aspinall’s next victim as the US Darts Masters champion brushed his opponent aside in a 7-3 win to move in to the final.
Dolan took the early initiative in the decider, moving in to a 4-2 lead before Aspinall fought back superbly to win the title.
“I played steady at times and not so well at others but I’m really happy,” said Aspinall. “I’m full of confidence and was determined to have a good run this weekend.
“I know what I can produce and I know how good I am and there is no reason why I can’t win more titles.”
Aspinall is currently planning his wedding to partner Kirsty-Louise, and after pocking a second £10,000 cheque of the year added: “The other half is booking our wedding soon so I need the money!”
It was also a good day for finalist Brendan Dolan, who moved through the field with some impressive wins.
The Northern Ireland World Cup star began his day with a 6-4 win over Adrian Gray, before going on to defeat Niels Zonneveld, Ciaran Teehan and Dave Chisnall.
A quarter-final win over Derk Telnekes secured a semi-final clash with multiple title winner James Wade, where Dolan was far too good for his English opponent, coming through with a 7-1 win.
Despite a good start in the final Dolan wasn’t able to overcome Aspinall and secure a third title within a year – but the the 46-year-old will be pleased with his day’s work.
Wade enjoyed his best run of 2020 so far as he reached the semi-finals alongside Noppert, while Telnekes overcame World Champion Peter Wright as he reached his first quarter-final on the PDC ProTour.
The PDC ProTour weekend in Barnsley concludes on Sunday with Players Championship 8, where 128 players will be hoping to claim the title.
Players Championship Eight
Saturday March 14, Barnsley Metrodome
Last 16
Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena
Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Vincent van der Voort
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Luke Humphries
Danny Noppert 6-0 Daryl Gurney
Ian White 6-1 Kai Fan Leung
James Wade 6-2 Glen Durrant
Derk Telnekes 6-1 Peter Wright
Brendan Dolan 6-2 Dave Chisnall
Quarter-Finals
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Michael van Gerwen
Danny Noppert 6-2 Krzysztof Ratajski
James Wade 6-5 Ian White
Brendan Dolan 6-5 Derk Telnekes
Semi-Finals
Nathan Aspinall 7-3 Danny Noppert
Brendan Dolan 7-1 James Wade
Final
Nathan Aspinall 8-4 Brendan Dolan
