Nathan Aspinall overcomes toilet trouble to go close at US Darts Masters
Battling Nathan Aspinall joked he got his money's worth out the toilet in his New York hotel room before fighting off illness to land runner-up at the US Darts Masters.
The Stockport star was toiling on the eve of tournament and didn't feel his best during an opening night win over Matt Campbell.
However, in typically-gritty style, Aspinall cast aside the issues and flushed the hopes of Luke Littler and Damon Heta down the pan in a searing Saturday night show before losing out in the Final to Luke Humphries.
After the Campbell win, he revealed: 'Full credit to the PDC. I did my media but they kind of gave me the night [Thursday] off and I needed it.
"I don't know what I've got food poisoning, 24-hour bug or what. Without being brutal, I've got my money's worth out of my toilet in my hotel room.'
Aspinall's triumph over Littler was sensational as he staved off a 109 average from the World Champion and he then defied a 170 checkout from the Aussie to reach the showpiece.
Humphries ended the title dream, but Aspinall said: 'I've had a fantastic weekend and I think it's one of the best tournaments I've played in a long time. I played really well in the final and Luke saved his best performance for the last game.
"That's why he's World No.1 and the best player in the world. I pushed him all the way but it was a great tournament for me. The crowd were unbelievable again.'
Humphries repaid the compliments from Aspinall following his win and stated: 'He's loved widely around the world because of the nice guy and the amazing person that he really is.
"I love sharing the stage with him, he's a credit to the sport and it's lovely to see him playing freely and thoroughly.
'He's had an amazing tournament. I think he was the best player in the US Darts Masters this year, unfortunately, I just managed to nab him in the end to win the title, but when he's at his best, he's very dangerous and he can join the lines of me, Luke and Michael [van Gerwen] at the top of the sport, he's that good.'
As well as his ability, Aspinall has also regularly displayed a compassion for rivals and did so again as he spoke up for Jules van Dongen, the Dutch-American who is suffering from the same horrendous problems with dartitis as almost derailed the Englishman's career.
He said: 'If he reaches out to me I'll be there for him. I spoke to Berry van Peer when I started mine, he's been through something worse than me.
"I've not seen Jules throw, I don't know what he's going through. I heard he's playing left handed, that's not the answer.
"I will speak to him try to put him in the right direction but he's not approached me yet. I sought my own advice, I speak to a hypnotherapy guy. If he sees this interview come and talk to me as I'll help anyone out. I hope he sorts it.'
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