On Friday night, the world-famous Blackpool Tower was lit up red to honour defending champion Nathan Aspinall, who will be returning to Blackpool for the 2024 Betfred World Match Play.
The Professional Darts Corporation has made the change to the landmark red in honour of the colour of “The Asp’s” regular shirt which he wears whilst competing, including when he won in Blackpool last summer.
The Betfred World Match Play is the summer’s most eagerly anticipated event, taking place over nine days in the Lancashire seaside town. The event was first held at the historic Winter Gardens 30 years ago.
The iconic tournament will see 32 of the world’s top stars compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £800,000 prize money from 13-21 July. The eight-player Betfred Women’s World Matchplay will also take place on Super Sunday Darts action on 21 July.
Last July, Stockport’s Aspinall beat Jonny Clayton in the final at the Winter Gardens to win his first World Matchplay title and is now back to reclaim the trophy once again.
Aspinall produced a remarkable night for the local favourite, winning 11 consecutive legs on his way to a thumping 18-6 win over Clayton, and also bagging £200,000 for winning the tournament.
Speaking about Blackpool Tower being painted red in his honour, defending champion Nathan Aspinall said: “It’s fantastic to see my flag flying on such an iconic landmark as Blackpool Tower.”
“It’s my hometown tournament so to have this level of support is great motivation for me leading up to the tournament. I’ll have lots of friends and family there too which will really help me as I aim to defend my World Matchplay title.”
Aspinall, currently fifth in the PDC Merit Rankings, will defend his title against fellow Englishman Luke Woodhouse on Saturday, the opening round of the Betfred World Matchplay.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday 13th July (1930 BST)
Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton vs Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Humphries vs Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall vs Luke Woodhouse
The tournament will be broadcast in the UK through the PDC’s global broadcast partners, including Sky Sports, DAZN and Viaplay; tv set (Excluding subscribers in the UK, Germany, Austria and Switzerland).