Aspinall Questions Saudi Darts Crowd

Nathan Aspinall has questioned the atmosphere and crowd presence at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, suggesting some spectators “weren’t all there of their own accord”. The 34-year-old Englishman was speaking after his first-round win in Riyadh, where the two-day World Series of Darts event is being staged in a 1,000-capacity venue. Despite his concerns, Aspinall admitted he enjoyed the experience.

Crowd atmosphere under scrutiny

Aspinall told Darts Now, “I’m not stupid. I feel like they weren’t all there of their own accord, shall we say.” He added that there is “definitely a long way to go” before the PDC can build a long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Englishman also noted the alcohol-free setting made the environment “certainly different” compared to traditional darts venues.

Big prize money on offer

The tournament is offering the largest nine-darter prize in PDC history. Players will earn $100,000 (£74,700) for hitting a nine-darter, which can rise to $200,000 (£149,400) if they land an extra bullseye dart. The event features stars including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen.

Aspinall through to quarter-finals

Aspinall defeated Lourence Ilagan 6-2 in the first round and will face Man Lok Leung of Hong Kong in the quarter-finals. Leung caused an upset by beating Danny Noppert 6-3. Aspinall said he was “laughing the whole game” as fans clapped at unusual moments while learning the sport’s rules.

Stars progress in Riyadh

World champion Luke Littler beat Paul Lim 6-1, while Luke Humphries overcame Ryusei Azemoto 6-2. Michael van Gerwen defeated India’s Nitin Kumar 6-1, and Gerwyn Price recorded a 6-0 win over Alexis Toylo. England’s Stephen Bunting also progressed with a 6-1 victory.

Quarter-final line-up