Holy crap, the things these darts players put themselves through. I was watching Aspinall grimace between throws last night and wondering what was up - turns out the poor bloke was literally throwing with a dislocated shoulder. Who DOES that?
The Asp ended up on the wrong side of a 6-3 scoreline against Luke Humphries in Liverpool yesterday. Not the result he wanted, obviously, but considering what we now know about his shoulder situation, it's a miracle he even stepped up to teh oche at all.
When Your Shoulder Says "I'm Out" But You Say "Not Today"
Aspinall revealed the injury happened about ten days ago during the Pro Tour. "I did not know what I had done until I got back home but I had a minor dislocation on my shoulder," he explained after the match.
A DISLOCATION. And he still competed. I twisted my ankle once walking to my car and called in sick for two days.
What's even more mind-boggling is that he somehow managed to be runner-up at Players Championship 13 last Monday in Holland - the very event where his shoulder decided to bail on him. He won SIX matches before Damon Heta finally stopped him in the final.
"I don't know how I managed to play so well last week," Aspinall admitted. Understatement of the century, mate.
The Aftermath: Rotterdam Heroics
Listen. I've interviewed dozens of athletes over the years, and they all have different pain thresholds. But what Aspinall did next borders on the insane.
After pulling out of Players Championship 14 (which, duh, totally reasonable), he somehow showed up for Premier League night 11 in Rotterdam last Thursday. Not just showed up - he BEAT Gerwyn Price before Chris Dobey finally stopped him in the semis.
My colleague texted me during that match: "Is he wincing or is that just his normal throw face?" Both, apparently!
104 Average... With One Working Arm?!
Fast forward to yesterday in Liverpool. After a week of treatment (which I'm guessing involved ice, painkillers, and possibly some kind of dark magic), Aspinall stepped up against world champ Luke Humphries.
The result wasn't what he wanted, but get this - he averaged 104 in that match. ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR. With a busted shoulder!
Back in 2018, I interviewed a Premier League footballer who missed three games with a bruised toe. I wish I could go back in time and show him this story.
The Playoff Race Tightens
Despite the loss, Aspinall's still clinging to that coveted top-four spot in the Premier League standings. But MVG is breathing down his neck, just one point behind. And unlike Aspinall, Van Gerwen presumably has both shoulders functioning as designed.
I spoke with a sports physio (who treats several darts players) this morning about how common these injuries are. His response: "Already updating my resume to include 'shoulder whisperer' after seeing what these guys put themselves through."
The Premier League rolls on next week, and Aspinall will be there - possibly held together with tape and determination. I'm not a medical professional (failed biology twice in school), but I'm pretty sure shoulders are supposed to stay in their sockets when you're trying to hit treble 20s.
Darts, man. Not just a pub game anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.
Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.
How do I improve my dart throwing technique?
Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.
How often should I replace my dartboard?
A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.
What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
Statistics
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
- A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
- The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
- A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
- The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
External Links
How To
Common Problems & How I Fixed Them
Inconsistent grouping was my biggest issue for years. The solution? I recorded my throw in slow motion and noticed I was dropping my elbow at different heights. Once I fixed that, my grouping tightened up immediately.
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