_Igor_Stevanovic_Alamy_Stock_Photo.jpg?#)
Nathan Aspinall wants surprise Premier League Darts rule change that would seriously affect him
Nathan Aspinall has called for a shock rule change to Premier League darts. It’s an interesting call considering the rule change would have seen him omitted from the 2025 competition. GettyAspinall has called for a rule change that could have seen him unable to compete[/caption] The current PDC Order of Merit sees the top four players automatically qualifying for the eight-person tournament, with the remaining spots filled by four wildcard picks. The event runs from 6 February until May, with Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Rob Cross set to compete alongside Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey, and Nathan Aspinall. Aspinall, 33, nicknamed ‘The Asp,’ has suggested that the PDC should consider selecting the top eight players in the world rankings instead to avoid any confusion — even if it means he wouldn’t make the cut. Speaking on his reason for the change, he said: “If it was down to me, I’d make it [the Premier League Darts] the top eight in the world to save all the stuff that I’ve been through. “The disappointment from [World Grand Prix winner] Mike de Decker, who is world No. 24. To save all that ‘is he in or is he not?’ Top eight, done. “That’s what I would do. I would’ve missed out on this year, but I would’ve took it. “In my opinion, if they made it top eight or if they made it 10 players, then there is no arguing is there? But it’s not that, and I’m buzzing that I’m here.” Despite being ranked 11th in the Order of Merit, Aspinall earned a spot in the competition for the third consecutive year. However, his selection sparked criticism, particularly after De Decker was overlooked despite his victory at the World Grand Prix in October. The 2020 runner-up has also called for the tournament to begin a month later, which would give players more time to build momentum before competing in the high-profile event. Aspinall also suggested that the competition is pushed back until MarchGetty He explained: “I think for me, if I could honestly make a decision, I’d like it to go back a month. “Starting it in the first week of March gives me [the chance to] get a few Pro Tours under my belt, get that winning feeling a bit more. “Obviously I’ve won a few games this year since Bahrain but trying to play more, get a few more games under my belt, a bit more time on the practice board. “I haven’t had much time to practice because I missed two weeks pretty much because of a knock on my elbow, but I come alive in the Premier League, playing week in and week out. “I’ve already said I’m committing to the tour this year, so what better way to start Thursday night by beating the world number one, potentially two or three in the world, and then go win in week one? “That would be a great statement and great confidence boost.”
Nathan Aspinall has called for a shock rule change to Premier League darts.
It’s an interesting call considering the rule change would have seen him omitted from the 2025 competition.
The current PDC Order of Merit sees the top four players automatically qualifying for the eight-person tournament, with the remaining spots filled by four wildcard picks.
The event runs from 6 February until May, with Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Rob Cross set to compete alongside Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey, and Nathan Aspinall.
Aspinall, 33, nicknamed ‘The Asp,’ has suggested that the PDC should consider selecting the top eight players in the world rankings instead to avoid any confusion — even if it means he wouldn’t make the cut.
Speaking on his reason for the change, he said: “If it was down to me, I’d make it [the Premier League Darts] the top eight in the world to save all the stuff that I’ve been through.
“The disappointment from [World Grand Prix winner] Mike de Decker, who is world No. 24. To save all that ‘is he in or is he not?’ Top eight, done.
“That’s what I would do. I would’ve missed out on this year, but I would’ve took it.
“In my opinion, if they made it top eight or if they made it 10 players, then there is no arguing is there? But it’s not that, and I’m buzzing that I’m here.”
Despite being ranked 11th in the Order of Merit, Aspinall earned a spot in the competition for the third consecutive year.
However, his selection sparked criticism, particularly after De Decker was overlooked despite his victory at the World Grand Prix in October.
The 2020 runner-up has also called for the tournament to begin a month later, which would give players more time to build momentum before competing in the high-profile event.
He explained: “I think for me, if I could honestly make a decision, I’d like it to go back a month.
“Starting it in the first week of March gives me [the chance to] get a few Pro Tours under my belt, get that winning feeling a bit more.
“Obviously I’ve won a few games this year since Bahrain but trying to play more, get a few more games under my belt, a bit more time on the practice board.
“I haven’t had much time to practice because I missed two weeks pretty much because of a knock on my elbow, but I come alive in the Premier League, playing week in and week out.
“I’ve already said I’m committing to the tour this year, so what better way to start Thursday night by beating the world number one, potentially two or three in the world, and then go win in week one?
“That would be a great statement and great confidence boost.”
