Nathan Aspinall apologises after seeing red during match in furious scenes

Darts ace Nathan Aspinall's temper flared as he botched two opportunities to clinch a crucial leg in the Players Championship.

Aspinall faced off against Madars Razma at the Robin Park Leisure Centre and the tension of the match appeared to get the better of him. The World No. 8 immediately apologised after showing his anger, following two missed chances to go ahead at a vital stage in their second-round clash.

The former champion has been on the comeback trail since returning from a tendon injury in his throwing arm. Aspinall would have hoped to spark his resurgence at the on Tuesday, and he got off to a strong start with a dominant 6-1 win against Niels Zonnevield.

However, Aspinall has struggled to hit top form since recovering from his injury. His chances of claiming the £15,000 prize quickly dwindled after he vented his frustration at two missed doubles, which ultimately led to Razma advancing to the next round.

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The game was deadlocked when The Asp stepped up needing 40 to move 5-4 ahead. Aspinall's opening dart agonisingly missed D20, but his second throw truly incensed him.

Aiming for D10, he inadvertently landed on 15 in the next bed and immediately lost his composure after handing Razma a golden opportunity to check out on 35. Sensing the match was slipping through his fingers, Aspinall hurled his last dart in anger, with it miraculously ricocheting off his second arrow, and promptly muttered "Sorry" whilst raising his hand apologetically to the rest on the oche.

Following Aspinall's misfire, Razma seized his chance. The Latvian triumphed 6-4 in the match and then clinched a 6-5 victory over Callan Rydz before coming up just short against Gerwyn Price in the fourth round.

The defeat saw Aspinall head home with just £1,000 in prize money. The Players Championship has been a tough ride for the 33-year-old, who has only reached the fourth round twice in 18 appearances.

Aspinall's triumph at the World Matchplay last year was the pinnacle of his career. However, his title defence came to an end in the second round. Aspinall took time time off to recover after the marquee event in Blackpool but has dropped down the rankings after failing to progress past the third round in his last 11 events.

Aspinall will have little time to reflect on his loss to Razma as he is set to return to the same venue for Players Championship 28 on Wednesday. Following this, the PDC will move on to Prague for the Czech Open at the weekend.

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