Nathan Aspinall admits he wanted to quit in Amsterdam comeback before setting up blockbuster Luke Littler tie

NATHAN ASPINALL admitted he wanted to “quit” and “go home” during his dramatic World Series Finals comeback in Amsterdam. The world No16 looked set for an early exit when he fell 4-1 behind Raymond Smith, while also battling illness. Nathan Aspinall had to battle back from 4-1 down to a 6-4 victory Credit: Getty Raymond Smith was cruising to victory before a dramatic comeback from Nathan Aspinall rocked him Credit: Getty But Aspinall, 35, dug deep to fight back and seal a 6-4 victory, before revealing just how difficult he had found the contest. He said: “Yeah, it’s a big win, you know, there’s so many parts in that game that I just wanted to quit and not win. Just go home because I feel pretty rubbish. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “But, you know, I’m a hypochondriac, it’s probably not that bad, let’s be honest with you. “But, nah, you know, I had a lot of support, my mates out there, Kirsty (his wife) came with me. “I know she didn’t want to go home tomorrow, so I did what I always do, I dig deep in a battle. “And, you know, he wasn’t playing very well, so I thought if I break him back at 4-1, I think he’ll go. And he played rubbish last two legs and I won, so happy days. “I think the shackles come off, the pressure’s off, you know, you’re not expected to win from 4-1 down. “But then also as well, you know, sometimes it’s like you feel sorry for yourself, like I’ve done all day. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS SNAP UP THESE TOP DARTS TRAVEL DEALS Fancy watching the best players in action? “Everyone who’s been around me today has been like stop moaning, but I felt so sorry for myself all day.” The Asp revealed he used the prospect of prize money and providing for his loved ones to help get himself through the final stages. He added: “And it’s like, I played one game here for £10,000, sort your head out, it’s half an hour. “And, you know, sometimes I think what my family could do with that and what holidays I could book. And, yeah, it just kind of gives me determination, you know. “It was a gutsy performance to come back from 4-1 down and I’m very happy that I finished the game off with no dramas at the end.” The Stockport thrower now has his sights set on climbing back up the rankings after admitting he is determined to force his way back into the world’s elite. He continued: “Well, you know, I think I’ve had a break. I’ve been playing for four weeks now. It’s a long time now. Management’s been a bit tight. The Stockport thrower wants to scale up the rankings Credit: Getty He’s set to take on the almighty Luke Littler in the second round Credit: PA “But, yeah, I’m going to try and play as much as I can, obviously. You know, changing my mindset. “I want to qualify for Minehead. I’ve got a bit to do. I’m in Den Bosch this week. Possibly might not have been if I lost that game. “But, yeah, I’m in Den Bosch this week. But, no, I’ve got to play because, you know, as Vincent [Van der Voort] pointed out the obvious a minute ago on Dutch TV that I’m 16th. “I’m playing Littler in the second round at the moment. Probably not ideal. You know what I mean? So I need to get up them rankings. “I’m better than 16th in the world, you know, even with my bit of flaw in my throw. I’m a top ten player all day and I need to start proving that. “I’m playing well. My averages, even when I don’t think I’m playing well, are right up there. So let’s go and do this. “Win some tournaments. Push myself back in the top ten, top eight. Back in the Premier League. Back in the World Series. Life’s good.” Aspinall returns to action on Saturday eveningand will face Luke Littler at the AFAS Live for a place in the quarter-final. Comment now