Night Nine in Exeter’s Westpoint Arena delivered the feel‑good story of the season as Nathan Aspinall stormed to his first nightly trophy since 2022. The ninety‑five mile trip from his Stockport base may seem insignificant, but the shift in momentum could redefine the play‑off race.
Aspinall’s six‑three win over Luke Littler in the final featured a one hundred and one average and a checkout percentage of sixty four—his best on television. Speaking afterwards, he credited a simplified pre‑throw routine and extra hours of strength conditioning that eased lingering ankle pain.
Luke Humphries, beaten in the semi‑final, acknowledged that Aspinall’s scoring burst in mid‑leg creates pressure few can match. Humphries leads all players in season 180s but found himself chasing legs, a rare role reversal. The world No. 1 vowed to adjust tempo and double selection ahead of their potential rematch in Leeds.
Littler, despite defeat, remains league leader and broke the arena’s decibel record when he nailed a one forty one checkout against MVG. The teenager’s ability to absorb setbacks has become a hallmark, and Exeter crowds left convinced a response is inevitable.
The trophy hauled Aspinall to twenty four points—within striking distance of the coveted top four. Whether the resurgence is a single spark or a sustained blaze will hinge on replicating the clinical finishing and emotional control that lit up Devon.
