Nathan Aspinall has hit back at Mike De Decker. (Image: TUNGSTENTALES/GETTY)
has returned with some jabs of his own after Mike De Decker claimed the PDC only preferred him for the Darts due to his popular walk-on song. De Decker was unfortunate to miss out on the eight-player line-up after winning last year’s World Grand Prix, and he has not taken the news well.
The Belgian conducted an explosive interview earlier this week, expressing his disbelief and fuming at becoming the first major winner in the tournament’s 20-year history to be snubbed.
He targeted Aspinall and Gerwyn Price during his rant and accused the PDC of lying with its claims that players enter the based on results.
“My first feeling immediately after the announcement was one of disbelief,” said De Decker told .
“The past 20 years, the Grand Prix winner was there every time. Of course, I can’t change anything about it; the PDC is boss. But I think their decision, to be honest, is a bit scandalous.
“They [Aspinall and Price] did not deserve it. Suddenly, they reach a quarter-final at the World Championships, and they are there.
“After my Grand Prix victory, I said that I might not be ready, and I don’t regret that. But afterwards, I confirmed at other tournaments that I can compete with the world’s best.
“They say that you get into the based on results, but apparently, that is not the case.
Mike De Decker won the 2024 World Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)
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“Aspinall is there with his walk-on purely for the entertainment, and if Price performs badly in the first few weeks, he will start complaining again.”
The Asp has since bit back at De Decker, admitting that while he sympathises with him over the omission, his world No. 24 ranking and early World Darts Championship exit did him no favours.
“Is that what he’s said? I haven’t seen it because I’ve come off social media. I still have my accounts there, but I’m not on it because the abuse was getting ridiculous,” a stunned Aspinall told Metro.
“I’m disappointed he’s said that because I get on with Mike, but if he wants to be in, then get higher up the rankings.
“He can count himself unlucky because he’s won a big major, but he’s ranked 24 in the world and went out early in the Worlds.
“There were a lot of people in contention, but no one really stood out. I thought I was 50-50 to get in. I’m buzzing to be the one to get the call and looking forward to get going.”
Belfast’s SSE Arena will host the first night of the 2025 Darts on February 6, the first of 17 venues throughout the year.
Reigning champion Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey join Aspinall and Price in an all-star roster.