Aspinall Offers Emotional Menzies Advice After PDC World Masters Win
Nathan Aspinall reached the World Masters quarter-finals with a win over Cameron Menzies and later offered his beaten opponent guidance on handling emotions under pressure.
Nathan Aspinall booked his place in the quarter-finals of the PDC World Masters after beating Scottish player Cameron Menzies, continuing his strong start to the year. According to SportsBoom, Aspinall was not at his best throughout the match but relied on composure to see off his opponent.
Menzies, meanwhile, again showed signs of struggling with the pressure of the big stage. During the deciding set, he reportedly stood behind Aspinall and joined the crowd in applauding as his opponent lined up a 170 checkout, effectively conceding the contest before it was completed. Menzies had also appeared visibly upset following his first-round exit at the 2025 World Darts Championship, a defeat to Leonard Gates.
Post-match exchange
After the win, Aspinall and Menzies were seen talking at length, with Menzies said to have sought advice from the more experienced player. Speaking to SportsBoom afterwards, Aspinall said he was keen to help, noting that Menzies often beats him in Pro Tour events but lets emotion get the better of him on television. He suggested that if Menzies could control his emotions, he had the game to be a consistent top-32 player.
Aspinall added that he had noticed Menzies’ distress during the match itself and had considered intervening, pointing to his own experience overcoming personal and physical setbacks, including a recent elbow surgery, as evidence of his mental resilience.
Eye on the future
Looking further ahead, Aspinall floated the idea of moving into player management once his playing career winds down, suggesting he might consider the switch if Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn increases the World Championship prize fund and he goes on to win it. For now, though, he stressed that Menzies remains a rival on the oche, even if he is willing to offer support off it.
Aspinall’s win takes him further into the World Masters draw as he continues his pursuit of another major title, while Menzies faces continued questions over his ability to manage emotions on darts’ biggest stages.
The report was issued by SportsBoom, part of Zealium Media.