Darts star Alan Soutar was praised for his touch of “class” after his dramatic defeat to rival Nathan Aspinall at the UK Open.
Aspinall, who sealed his major breakthrough at the UK Open in 2019, kept his hopes alive of lifting the title again this weekend with a comeback for the ages against Scotland’s Soutar.
‘The Asp’ looked destined to crash out at the last 64 stage at 7-2 down, but his stirring effort saw him take the match 10-9 after a tense deciding leg.
And the popular Soutar, who also works as a firefighter in Dundee, was commended for his sportsmanship in his agonising exit.
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World no.9 Aspinall was under pressure throwing for the match on D16, with Soutar left on D14 and finely poised to capitalise on any mistake.
The lively crowd at Butlin’s Minehead resort were becoming increasingly involved as they appeared to put Aspinall off before his third and final dart. Classy Soutar responded by shaking his head and putting his hand out, asking fans to be quiet and not distract his opponent.
Aspinall then proceeded to make the match-winning dart to complete his roaring comeback, and punched the air in delight after such an unlikely triumph.
And Aspinall was quick to thank Soutar for his sincerity at such a decisive moment in the contest. He wrote on Twitter:”Some game tonight. Respect to @soots180 for this he is a credit to the game.”
Plenty of darts fans shared Aspinall’s verdict, hailing Soutar’s impressive show of sportsmanship.
“Very classy from @soots180 telling the crowd not to distract aspinall a proper gentleman and a proper darts player,” one said.
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Another fan asserted: “Soutar asking the crowd to be quiet while he’s throwing his 3rd dart is excellent sportsmanship.”
Aspinall’s victory set up an exciting last 32 clash against Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode on Saturday afternoon. The winner of the prestigious tournament on Sunday evening with claim a bumper winner’s cheque of £110,000.
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