In a gripping quarter-final showdown at the 2025 bet365 US Darts Masters in New York’s Madison Square Garden, teenage sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler suffered a stunning 6-4 defeat to Nathan “The Asp” Aspinall, halting his quest for a first US Darts Masters title. The match, held on June 28, 2025, was a high-octane clash that showcased both players’ skill and resilience, captivating fans at The Theater and viewers worldwide.
Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion, entered the match as a favorite after a commanding 6-1 first-round win over Jules van Dongen, sealed with a spectacular 120 checkout. His form in 2025 has been phenomenal, with titles in the World Championship, Premier League, and World Series Finals, plus a record-breaking set average of 140.91 at Alexandra Palace. Against Aspinall, Littler started strong, averaging over 115 and landing an 11-darter to lead 3-2, as noted in posts on X. His precision and flair, including multiple 180s, had the crowd buzzing.
However, Aspinall, the 2019 US Darts Masters champion, was unrelenting. Fresh off a 6-2 victory over Matt Campbell, where he averaged 105 and hit eight 180s, Aspinall capitalized on Littler’s missed doubles. He broke Littler’s throw early with a 108 checkout and maintained pressure with clinical finishing, hitting double 14 to secure the win. Despite Littler’s higher average of 108.89, Aspinall’s 60% checkout rate outshone Littler’s 42.86%, echoing their Nordic Darts Masters clash where Aspinall also triumphed 6-3.
The match was a testament to their rivalry and camaraderie, as both players share management and have faced off frequently. Littler had dominated their head-to-head, winning nine of their last ten encounters, but Aspinall’s back-to-back World Series victories over “The Nuke” signal a shift. X posts captured the excitement, with fans praising Aspinall’s performance and noting Littler’s frustration as he rushed off stage after missing key doubles.
This loss stings for Littler, who was tipped to shine in New York after a disappointing World Cup of Darts exit alongside Luke Humphries. Despite the setback, his 2025 achievements—13 PDC titles, including five majors—cement his status as a generational talent. Aspinall, meanwhile, advances to the semi-finals, facing either Damon Heta or Jason Brandon, with a shot at reclaiming the title he won in Las Vegas.
The US Darts Masters, with its $137,000 prize pool, continues to highlight darts’ growing Stateside appeal. Littler’s defeat, while a blow, underscores the sport’s unpredictability and Aspinall’s resurgence. As fans await the semi-finals, broadcast on Peacock and ITVX, this match will be remembered as a classic, with “The Asp” proving that even “The Nuke” can be defused on the biggest stages.
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