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NATHAN ASPINALL is set to put on a thrilling display as he goes head-to-head with Ricardo Pietreczko at Ally Pally.
The German No. 3 poses a challenge for Aspinall, who is aiming for a spot in the World Championship quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.
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Born in Berlin, Pikachu, 30, isn’t shy about facing challenges and has previously confronted young star Luke Littler at the Belgian Darts Open in March.
He later remarked online: “I hope his arrogance works against him.”
Aspinall, seeded No. 12, stated: “Ricardo is a skilled darts player, but he has quite the eccentric personality. That’s about all I can comment on.
“He tends to keep to himself and always brings his partner along. I don’t really talk to him. I don’t know much about his personal life.
“What my opinion of him as a person is irrelevant. I’m there to dominate him on the dartboard. If I perform at my best, he won’t stand a chance.
“The crowd on Monday could be about 60-40 in favor of the English fans; the atmosphere will be electric. I’m confident I will rise to the occasion and win.”
Aspinall, who has recently grown a beard, intends to keep it until he secures a trophy.
This choice has frustrated his fiancée Kirsty, who prefers him clean-shaven, but the 33-year-old has decided to maintain the beard for his first televised tournament.
His razors will stay tucked away until he achieves a significant win once again.
Aspinall, a past champion of the US Open and World Matchplay, reminisced: “I did this two years ago and someone from the PDC suggested I shave it off.
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“I’ve told Kirsty I’ll keep it until I win a major. I won’t let it grow further, or I’ll end up resembling Santa Claus.
“I started this before the Players Championship in Minehead. Usually, I do it in winter. No clue why; it’s just a sudden urge I have.”
Luke Littler makes a sharp comment about Ricardo Pietreczko following their confrontation at the Belgian Open
“I’ve maintained it since, and my local Turkish barber keeps it nicely trimmed for me.
A week ago, I told Kirsty: ‘I’ve made my decision to keep it until I win.’
“She’s really upset about it, insisting, ‘You’ll be 45 and still have that beard!’”
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Stockport-born Aspinall has often sought the guidance of a sports psychologist and hypnotherapist, who have been crucial allies in his journey.
The two-time world championship semi-finalist shared: “We’ve intentionally focused on reigniting that competitive spirit within me.
“I’m working to bring back that ‘Nathan roar’ that I haven’t felt for the last 18 months. I feel fantastic now.
“Mentally, this is the best I’ve felt since I started playing darts a decade ago. I’m on the brink of a breakthrough. Just waiting for everything to fall into place.”
