While the World Cup of Darts dominated the spotlight in Frankfurt last weekend, Nathan Aspinall chose a very different way to spend his days. The former major champion was in Ibiza, where he celebrated his upcoming wedding with friends and fellow darters.
Aspinall was joined by Ross Smith, Luke Woodhouse, Andy Boulton, Chris Dobey and Joe Cullen at the popular O Beach, a well-known hotspot for British holidaymakers. The club is owned by Wayne Lineker, brother of former England international Gary Lineker, and regularly attracts famous athletes. During his stay, Aspinall didn't just bump into fellow darters. Several players from the England women's national football team also visited the same venue. Among them were Manchester United players Ella Toone and Mary Earps, with whom the Stockport thrower posed for photos.
For Manchester United followers, that detail stands out. Aspinall himself once had a past in the club's youth system. As a talented footballer, he was scouted by United at a young age and trained with them several times. A breakthrough at Old Trafford never came, and he shifted his focus entirely to darts. That choice proved successful, as he has been a fixture among the sport's world elite for years.
The Ibiza trip was all about his stag do. Aspinall is tying the knot soon and seized the chance to have one last big celebration with friends. Before the trip, the Englishman joked about his expectations. “Chris has done well, though, he's lost a lot of weight naturally,” Aspinall said with a smile beforehand. “The stag do is going to be immense. We're doing it during the World Cup week because we're trying to get into the England team for the World Cup of Darts.” “There'll be a few of the lads coming. Me, Dobey, Cullen, Ross Smith. It's going to be hectic,” Aspinall details. “As long as I don't get tied up around a lamppost, I'll be happy.”
There was no lamppost involved, but he did leave the weekend with a lasting memory. The darter got a new tattoo on his upper arm. Since last week, the word ‘Babylon’ is emblazoned there, a nod to a song that was played frequently during the stag party.
