Nathan Aspinall has revealed how he found out he was overlooked by the PDC for the 2026 Premier League Darts.
Aspinall, 34, finished third in last year's Premier League, behind Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Humphries was the eventual champion after beating Littler 11-8 in the final.
For 2026, Aspinall missed out, with Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock and Gerwyn Price joining Humphries and Littler.
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Speaking recently, Aspinall revealed how he found out that he had missed out on the Premier League line-up.
In a video that was posted on social media, Aspinall said: "I was travelling with Stephen Bunting and we were sat next to each other on the plane and he got a text message at 3:15 saying he was in.
"I got a text message at 3:21 saying I wasn't in. He's (Bunting) buzzing, and I wanted to jump off the plane! So, it was a difficult travel home."
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He added: "But, you know what, Matt (Porter, PDC Chief Executive) explained the reasons why he didn't put me in. You know, I think I backdoored it last year, I don't think I deserved it last year.
"I felt like I probably did deserve it this year and I didn't get it but I'm not dwelling on it. You know, I haven't put anything out on social media because I can't be bothered with people jumping on it. I've accepted the decision and we move forward and it gives me hunger and fight to not miss out again."
When pushed on the reasons why he was overlooked, Aspinall simply said: "My ranking was too low."
Meanwhile, James Wade, who also missed out on a place in the Premier League, took his frustrations onto social media.
He wrote on X: "Hard work pays off… really? Disappointed, but proud of the work I put in this year chasing one goal getting back to the Premier League. Missing out hurts, but that’s part of the journey.
"I trusted my performances in the big moments, two major finals and two major quarter-finals and I’ll keep backing that process. Back to work now. 2026, I’ll be ready. James."
The 2026 Premier League campaign will kick off at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 5.
Topics: Darts
Marcus Chan