Rags-to-riches Nathan Aspinall can become darts millionaire – if he gets past Michael van Gerwen
NATHAN ASPINALL looks set to become a darts millionaire if he beats Michael van Gerwen in the ultimate rags-to-riches tale.
It was back in September 2018 when The Asp, 28, was skint and had just £20 left in the bank.
Yet by reaching a second successive semi-final of the William Hill PDC World Darts Championship, the former accountant is two victories away from closing in on almost £1million in career prize money.
So far he has trousered £436,175.
His 5-3 victory over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh secured him a £100,000 payday for reaching the semi-finals.
And should he beat the Big Green Man in the last four on Monday night at Ally Pally, Aspinall will be targeting the £500,000 winner’s cheque.
With all the add-ons and benefits of being crowned world champ, the Stockport thrower would break the amazing seven-figure total in the New Year.
Aspinall, who lost 6-3 to Michael Smith in last year’s semi-finals, said: “I love playing the best players in the world, I play better. And I want their bank balance.
“I couldn’t have dreamt this. I was an accountant beforehand.
“I worked for big companies and saw how much some directors were earning, like £250,000 a year.
“I’m now in that bracket. You’ve got to be happy with life.
“This time last year I was about 90th in the world.
“Now I believe I belong with the elite players. Two games and I’m world champion.
“My semi-final will be different than last time. I’ll approach it differently.
“I’m secure financially now. I’m in the top ten, people know who I am. They aren’t thinking I have no chance.”
Aspinall has a 2-2 record against world No 1 MVG and beat him 6-3 in Gibraltar in September after being 5-0 up. The No 12 seed added: “I know I can beat the guy — and he knows I can beat him.
“He is human, he makes mistakes. He doesn’t always play at his top game.
“If that happens, I’ll be there to take my opportunities.
“If I beat Van Gerwen I couldn’t care less who I play next!
“If I make that final, bring Phil Taylor back if you want!”
Generous Van den Bergh, 25, backed Aspinall and said: “I believe I could beat Van Gerwen, so I definitely know Nathan can beat Van Gerwen.
“We have to believe, we have to do our thing. Don’t think about who you play but do your job.”
Van Gerwen booked his spot with a hard-fought 5-2 victory over Darius Labanauskas.
The former Lithuanian potter needed medical attention after accidentally STABBING himself in the finger with one of his darts.
Referee George Noble was on hand to stick a plaster on the bloodied digit.
Labanauskas gave MVG troubles as he missed key doubles but Mighty Mike eventually prevailed.
Van Gerwen said: “I had some bad patches. At 3-1 up, everything is good, after that I felt silly.
“You cannot do that at this stage. It’s a bit embarrassing.
“It was a boring game. I didn’t like it. Normally the other players give it to me, show more aggression. This game was flat. I like the aggression.”
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The Milton Keynes hairdresser will play in the USA, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand and a double header in Australia.
Sherrock, 25, could be in line to make a fortune over the next 12 months following her historic Ally Pally run.