The 2023 World Matchplay in Blackpool delivered unforgettable darts action, crowning new heroes and showcasing incredible talent. Nathan Aspinall, affectionately known as ‘The Asp’, secured his maiden World Matchplay title with a stunning performance, making him a two-time PDC Major Champion and fulfilling a personal dream to secure his family home. His journey was marked by dominant displays and a legendary 11-leg winning streak in the final. We also witnessed an inspiring run from Jonny Clayton, who fought valiantly despite personal challenges, and the undeniable brilliance of Beau Greaves, who swept the Women’s World Matchplay, cementing her status as a rising star. This tournament truly encapsulated the exciting new era of darts, moving beyond the ‘Covid effect’ with fresh talent taking centre stage.
Nathan Aspinall: A Dream Fulfilled at the Winter Gardens
Nathan Aspinall’s victory was more than just a title; it was deeply personal. The Stockport native revealed that the £200,000 prize money would help him pay off his family home, a dream fulfilled as he lifted the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy. This incredible achievement marked his second PDC Major title, adding to his 2019 UK Open crown.
The Asp’s Path to the Final
Aspinall’s campaign began with a bang, as he showcased his intent from the very first dart. He delivered back-to-back averages of over 98, dispatching Krzysztof Ratajski 10-7 in the First Round. He then confidently advanced to his third consecutive Quarter-Final in Blackpool by overcoming former UK Open Champion Danny Noppert with an 11-9 victory.
The 2023 World Matchplay, celebrating its 30th anniversary, saw an unusually open field. Many of the sport’s biggest names, including Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Dimitri van den Bergh, were all eliminated before the Quarter-Finals, setting the stage for unexpected heroes to emerge.
In the Quarter-Finals, Aspinall faced Chris Dobey, who had surprisingly knocked out the reigning World Champion in the previous round. Despite Dobey leading at the first two breaks, Aspinall held his nerve to secure a 16-12 victory, ending Dobey’s Hollywood run and advancing to the semi-finals.
The Semi-Final clash pitted Aspinall against Joe Cullen, known as ‘The Rockstar’. Cullen had earned his spot by defeating Mike de Decker, Daryl Gurney, and, notably, the 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price in a thrilling 13-11 encounter that included two impressive 112 finishes.
Aspinall was the first to book his place in the Grand Final at the iconic Winter Gardens. In a commanding performance, he defeated Cullen 17-9 in the first Semi-Final, firing in 11 maximum 180s and sealing a crucial leg with a 116 checkout.
Jonny Clayton’s Resilient Run
On the other side of the draw, Jonny Clayton, ‘The Ferret’, battled his way to the final. His journey included a Quarter-Final victory over Ryan Searle, where he produced six checkouts of 100 or more. He then faced a monumental Semi-Final against Luke Humphries, a two-time European Darts Matchplay winner. In an epic 17-15 showdown, Clayton secured his spot in the final with a crucial break of throw in the 32nd leg, finishing with an 80 checkout.
The Grand Finale: Aspinall vs. Clayton
The final began with both players holding their nerve, resulting in five consecutive ‘holds of throw’ (meaning each player won their own leg). Aspinall set the tone early with a superb 110 checkout on double 18 in the very first leg.
Aspinall secured an early ‘break of throw’ (winning a leg started by his opponent) with a 108 finish in the second mini-session. However, Clayton, demonstrating the clinical ‘ton-plus checkouts’ (finishes of 100 points or more) he had delivered throughout the tournament, hit a 141 checkout on double 12 in the seventh leg. This kept the match tightly contested, reaching 5-5 after the first ten legs.
It was in the third session that Aspinall truly took control. He dominated, winning every leg without reply from Clayton, securing two crucial breaks of throw. This surge saw him become the first player to reach double-digit legs, creating a significant lead.
A moment of pure brilliance cemented Aspinall’s dominance: he replicated his famous 170 ‘bullseye finish’ (hitting two treble 20s and a bullseye to reach 170, then hitting the bullseye for the finish) from his 2019 UK Open victory. This spectacular checkout propelled him to an 11-5 lead, putting him just seven legs away from his first Winter Gardens title.
Aspinall continued his relentless assault, extending his lead to 15-5. He left ‘The Ferret’ with no room for error, securing yet another break of throw with a 115 checkout in the 18th leg.
Clayton finally managed to halt Aspinall’s incredible momentum, ending an astonishing 11-leg winning streak by hitting double 5. This remarkable run put Aspinall in elite company, as only darts legend Phil Taylor had previously achieved such a long winning streak in a major final.
Aspinall sealed his historic victory by hitting the same double with his final dart, becoming the 12th different player to win the World Matchplay in its 30-year history.
A Champion’s Words
Overwhelmed with emotion, Aspinall shared his joy: “It’s an amazing feeling. I’m so happy for me and my family and so proud of myself. I did so well to keep it at 5-5. I was doing Jonny Clayton things! I was taking out those three-dart combinations and that kept me in the game.”
He attributed his victory to a crucial turning point: “I think that third session was the key. I don’t know what it was, but then I suddenly found my scoring, and I finished brilliantly all game.”
Jonny Clayton: A Performance of Heart
Jonny Clayton’s journey through the 2023 World Matchplay was particularly poignant. He garnered immense support after revealing that his father was battling illness. Despite this personal challenge, ‘The Ferret’ delivered a career-best performance in Blackpool, far surpassing his previous best of reaching the Last 16. His inspiring run undoubtedly made his biggest fan – his dad – incredibly proud.
A highlight of Clayton’s tournament was his impressive Last 16 victory over former Matchplay winner Dimitri van den Bergh. He secured an 11-6 win, averaging an outstanding 101.90 and boasting a remarkable 57.89% checkout rate. Demonstrating his finishing prowess, he also hit the tournament’s second 170 checkout in the fourth leg.
Reflecting on his efforts, Clayton stated: “I knew I had to play well tonight, and thankfully I did. It’s been very difficult, but I’m here to do a job, and I’m trying my best to do it, so today was a good day.” His resilience was truly commendable.
Beau Greaves Dominates Women’s World Matchplay
The 2023 World Matchplay also celebrated a new champion in the women’s event. Beau Greaves became only the second player to win the Women’s World Matchplay, showcasing her exceptional talent. She stormed through the competition, defeating Robyn Byrne and Noa-Lyn van Leuven before delivering a commanding 6-1 victory over Mikuru Suzuki in the Final.
Greaves’ victory in Blackpool was highly significant. As the number one ranked player on the Women’s Series, this triumph secured her coveted spots in both the Grand Slam of Darts and the 2024 PDC World Championship. Her dominance continued just a week later when she incredibly won all four Women’s Series Events at the Marshall Arena, solidifying her position as a formidable force in women’s darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
