Nathan Aspinall Stuns Luke Littler to Reach Nordic Darts Masters 2025 Semi-Finals
Nathan Aspinall delivered a sensational performance to defeat Luke Littler 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the Nordic Darts Masters 2025 in Copenhagen on June 7, ending the 18-year-old PDC World Champion’s hopes of securing a third World Series title. The match, described as a thrilling upset by @OfficialPDC on X, saw Aspinall claim only his second career victory over Littler, advancing to the semi-finals against Michael Smith, per PDC.tv.[](https://x.com/OfficialPDC/status/1931411738307575840)
Littler, who overcame a slow start to beat Viktor Tingstrom 6-2 in the first round, struggled to maintain his usual dominance despite a 101 average and a 124 checkout, per Sky Sports. Aspinall, the world No. 8, capitalized with a 165 setup and a crucial 13-dart leg on tops to take a 4-3 lead, as highlighted by @OfficialPDC. His resilience shone through after surviving back-to-back bounce-outs early in the match, holding throw to lead 1-0. Aspinall’s 45% checkout rate and six 180s outpaced Littler’s 40% and four maximums, per Sofascore.com.[](https://x.com/OfficialPDC/status/1931410586035704289)[](https://x.com/OfficialPDC/status/1931408308486758711)
The Stockport star’s victory was a testament to his mental fortitude, especially after enduring crowd hostility, including objects thrown at Littler in the first round, per Daily Star. “I knew I had to bring my A-game against Luke. He’s a phenomenal player, but I stayed focused,” Aspinall told ITV4. Littler, gracious in defeat, said, “Nathan was just better tonight. I’ll be back stronger,” per Sky Sports. Posts on X, like @DartsCentral, praised Aspinall’s “clinical” performance, while @TennisUpToDate2 noted Littler’s uncharacteristic misses on doubles.
Aspinall’s semi-final clash with Smith follows Smith’s 6-4 win over Gerwyn Price, while Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross contest the other semi-final, per The Sun. With Littler out, Aspinall, the 2023 World Matchplay champion, eyes the £30,000 top prize to cap a resurgent 2025, having reached the Premier League play-offs, per BBC Sport.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cvgn894q8mno)
