In a stunning display of darts drama at the World Grand Prix, Kevin Doets endured a heartbreaking defeat to Nathan Aspinall. Despite holding a commanding position and missing three crucial match darts, Doets watched as ‘The Asp’ mounted an incredible comeback to secure a 2-1 victory. This thrilling encounter saw Aspinall snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, leaving Doets to ponder what might have been, even with superior statistical averages.
A Familiar Rivalry Reignites
The stage was set for another epic clash between Kevin Doets, known as ‘Hawkeye’, and Nathan Aspinall, ‘The Asp’. Their previous encounter at the World Championship last December saw Doets emerge victorious in a tight 4-3 battle. This time, at the World Grand Prix in Leicester, the stakes were just as high, promising a memorable showdown.
Doets started strong, opening his account with a solid 17-dart leg. He then narrowly missed a crucial double top for an early break. However, ‘Hawkeye’ quickly rectified this, securing the break two legs later with an impressive 14-darter, finishing on 89 to take the first set 1-0. The momentum seemed firmly with the Dutchman.
The Dramatic Turnaround: Three Match Darts Squandered
The second set began with Doets immediately breaking Aspinall’s throw with a 20-dart leg, putting him firmly in control. He then followed up with a 13-darter, reaching match point and seemingly on the verge of victory. The crowd anticipated a quick finish, but what unfolded next was pure darts theatre.
Aspinall bravely held his nerve to stay in the set, forcing Doets to throw for the match. This was the moment of truth for the world number 27. Doets stepped up, needing just one double to seal the win, but agonizingly missed not one, not two, but three match darts. The tension was palpable as the opportunity slipped away, injecting new life into Aspinall.
Sensing a shift in momentum, ‘The Asp’ capitalised ruthlessly. He produced a sensational 10-darter – a lightning-fast leg for a professional player – to level the set, sending a clear message that he wasn’t done yet. Doets, reeling from the missed opportunities, quickly regained his composure with a 13-darter. The next three legs were held by the player throwing first, showcasing immense pressure and precision from both sides.
The set culminated in a decisive leg. Aspinall, demonstrating incredible clutch play, hit a magnificent 115 checkout to force a deciding leg in the match. He then started that final leg with a strong score of 136, putting Doets under immense pressure. In the ultimate moment of truth, ‘The Asp’ rose to the occasion, finding double nine for the victory, while Doets, unfortunately, couldn’t match his earlier brilliance. Aspinall’s roar of triumph was a testament to his remarkable comeback, leaving Doets to reflect on a truly bitter defeat.
Match Statistics: A Deceptive Picture
While the scoreboard told one story, the underlying statistics revealed a slightly different picture, highlighting the fine margins in professional darts:
- Nathan Aspinall: Average 89.20 / Double Percentage 33.3%
- Kevin Doets: Average 92.27 / Double Percentage 41.2%
Despite Doets holding a higher overall average and a significantly better double percentage, it was Aspinall’s ability to perform under extreme pressure, particularly when Doets faltered on his match darts, that ultimately decided the outcome. This match serves as a powerful reminder that in darts, mental fortitude and clutch finishing often outweigh raw statistical superiority.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
