Nathan Aspinall has revealed he battled physical discomfort to advance into the second round of the World Series of Darts Finals.
'The Asp' fought back from 4-1 down against Raymond Smith to secure a 6-4 victory in his opening match in Amsterdam.
Despite a less than ideal start to the match, Aspinall produced an average of over 95 and fired in three 180s in his comeback win.
His gritty display sees him through to the second round, where he faces the ultimate test up against World No.1 Luke Littler.
'The Nuke' battled past home favourite Danny NoppertÃÂ to win 6-4 in his opener, overcoming a lively Dutch crowd who whistled and booed him during the match.
This isn't the first time Littler has faced a hostile reception on the continent, previously threatening to boycott German events due to fan behaviour.
'Felt pretty rubbish'
While Littler will have to contend with the Amsterdam atmosphere in the next round, Aspinall is hoping for a speedy recovery for the clash.
The 35-year-old revealed he was feeling far from his best during his victory over Smith, admitting he was tempted to throw in the towel.
He said to Online Darts post match: "It's a big win, there's so many parts in that game that I just wanted to quit and not win.
"Just go home because I feel pretty rubbish. But I'm a hypochondriac, it's probably not that bad, let's be honest with you."
This isn't the first time Aspinall has fought physical issues, with the darts star previously opening up on his struggles with dartitis.
But having been up against it at 4-1 down and feeling under the weather, Aspinall revealed the presence of his loved ones in Amsterdam spurred him on.
He added: "I had a lot of support, my mates out there, Kirsty (his wife) came with me. I know she didn't want to go home tomorrow, so I did what I always do - I dig deep in a battle.
"And he wasn't playing very well, so I thought I'd break him back at 4-1, I think he'll go.
"And he played rubbish last two legs and I won, so happy days."
Explaining his shift in mindset at 4-1 down, Aspinall admitted he felt freed by the lack of expectation as Smith became the favourite.
He added: "I think the shackles come off, the pressure's off - you're not expected to win from 4-1 down. But then also as well, sometimes it's like you feel sorry for yourself, like I've done all day.
"Everyone who's been around me today has stopped moaning, but I felt so sorry for myself all day.
"And it's like, I played one game here for ã10,000 - sort your head out, it's half an hour, and sometimes I think what my family could do with that [money] and what holidays I could book. And, it just kind of gives me determination."
Aspinall also revealed that, unlike Littler, he would welcome a boisterous crowd for their second round meeting in Amsterdam.
"The louder the better because I don't think about my darts then.
"I get involved in my head. I sing the little songs in my head while I'm playing and it makes me relax. So, yeah, [on] stage, love it."
Aspinall targets strong year end
While Aspinall has been in regular action in the Players Championship and on the European Tour in recent weeks, prior to this he has played sporadically, competing in just two events in July and three in June.
Having been left angered with questions over his future earlier this year, the 2023 World Matchplay winner revealed he is looking to ramp up his schedule as he gears towards the business end of the year.
"I'm going to try and play as much as I can, obviously. You know, changing my mindset.
"I want to qualify for Minehead [the Players Championship finals]. I've got a bit to do.
He added: "I'm playing Littler in the second round at the moment. Probably not ideal. So I need to get up the rankings.
"I'm better than 16th in the world, you know, even with my bit of flaw in my throw. I'm a top ten player all day and I need to start proving that."