On June 28, 2025, Nathan Aspinall delivered a stunning upset at the U.S. Darts Masters in New York, denying teenage sensation Luke Littler a semifinal berth in a gripping 6-4 quarterfinal victory at Madison Square Garden. The match, a highlight of the World Series of Darts, showcased Aspinall’s grit and precision, particularly on doubles, as he outmaneuvered the world champion before a record-breaking crowd of 4,000 fans. This electrifying clash, marked by a pivotal 108 checkout, underscored Aspinall’s resurgence and Littler’s rare stumble on the big stage.
Aspinall, known as “The Asp,” entered the match as an underdog against the 18-year-old Littler, who boasted a staggering 108.89 average and a 15-2 head-to-head record over him. Littler, the reigning world champion after defeating Michael van Gerwen in January, had electrified the crowd in his first-round win over Jules van Dongen, landing three tops in a display of his trademark flair. Yet, Aspinall, fresh off a 6-2 victory against Matt Campbell, was undeterred. “I’ve had a fantastic weekend,” Aspinall later reflected, “and I think it’s one of the best tournaments I’ve played in a long time.” His confidence was evident as he broke Littler’s throw early, capitalizing on a missed double 16 for a 152 finish with a clinical 108 checkout to take a 1-0 lead.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Littler’s explosive scoring, including his tournament-leading 11th 180, kept him in contention, but Aspinall’s doubling prowess proved decisive. Despite averaging three points less than Littler’s 108.89, Aspinall’s clutch finishes, including a double 16 to secure a crucial leg, frustrated the teenager. The Stockport star’s experience shone through as he navigated Littler’s pressure, maintaining composure even as the crowd roared for “The Nuke.” Aspinall’s 6-4 win marked only his second victory over Littler in 16 attempts, a testament to his determination after a year plagued by elbow and wrist injuries.
“I pushed him all the way,” Aspinall said, acknowledging Littler’s formidable talent. The match’s intensity was palpable, with both players trading maximums and near-nine-darters, reminiscent of their World Darts Championship quarterfinal where Littler triumphed 5-2. This time, Aspinall’s tactical acumen and emotional resilience turned the tables. His celebration, a fist-pump to the New York crowd, echoed his joy at rediscovering the form that won him the 2023 World Matchplay and 2019 UK Open.
Aspinall advanced to the semifinals, where he dispatched Damon Heta 7-3, showcasing a “big fish” 170 finish. However, his run ended against world No. 1 Luke Humphries, who claimed the title with an 8-6 victory. Humphries praised Aspinall’s grit, saying, “Nathan is so gritty and determined—he came back at me and made it hard for me but he missed two darts to go seven-all and gave me a chance.” The loss didn’t dampen Aspinall’s spirits; he thanked the American fans for their “unbelievable” support, cementing his status as a crowd favorite.
For Littler, the defeat was a rare setback in a stellar year that included 10 titles and a Grand Slam triumph. As the World Series moves to Poland, Aspinall’s victory signals his return to top form, while Littler will look to rebound alongside Humphries at the World Cup of Darts. This New York thriller, blending raw talent and veteran savvy, will linger as a defining moment of the 2025 U.S. Darts Masters.
Leave a Reply