NATHAN ASPINALL is desperate to save himself “three hours of misery”;; by beating idol Michael van Gerwen – and ticking-off an item on his darts bucket-list.
If the Asp, 33, knocks out on Thursday in , he will finish in the top four spots in the Premier League.
And he will be throwing at London’s O2 Arena next Thursday in the playoffs, which would fulfil a lifelong dream.
Aspinall finished fifth over the past two years and wants to complete the job this time without worrying about Van Gerwen – who is four points behind in the table – squeezing through.
If the Dutchman, 36, wins their quarter-final, then he will leapfrog Aspinall, who has 24 points, by winning the night and collecting five points.
, and have already qualified for the playoffs and the identity of the fourth man is the last thing that needs to be resolved.
The Stockport thrower said: “I’ve said to all my family: ‘I don’t want to come fifth again.’
“It’s up to me to not mess it up and get the job done. Michael is more than capable of winning.
“I’ve three things left that I want to do before I retire from .
“I want to become world champion, play in the World Cup for and also play in the final at the O2. And I can knock one of them off now.
“I don’t get any satisfaction from beating Michael. I look up to him so much.
“He’s done all he can in the sport. I’ve so much respect for him. He has helped me out behind closed doors, more than anyone will ever know.
“But to walk out in front of the O2, the most iconic building in the whole of England arena-wise, would be amazing. Fingers crossed, I can do the job and be there.
“If I win that first game, I can save myself three hours of misery. I’ll know that by 8pm, I’m through to the O2, which is a dream of mine.
“If I lose, then I need to pray on the boys to stop him. But I don’t want that. It’s in my hands. If I can beat him, it’s done and dusted. If not, it’s a very nervous wait.”;;
