Darts star Nathan Aspinall raised his hand in apology after recklessly launching a dart at the board in frustration.
The incident occurred in his last 64 match at the Players Championship 27 against Latvian opponent Madars Razma, with the score tied at four legs each.
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With 40 remaining, Aspinall threw a 20 instead of the double 20 he was aiming for. That forced him to go for the double 10 to seal the leg but instead he hit 15, leaving him with nowhere to go.
No.8 ranked Aspinall was visibly angered by his misdirected shot and launched his remaining dart at full pelt in the direction of the board.
Razma appeared staggered by Aspinall’s behaviour and stepped away from his opponent, turning his back
The 33-year-old was quick to see the error of his ways and forcibly apologised to those around him whilst remorsefully holding his hand up to Razma to acknowledge his ill-judgement.
Worst still, Aspinall went on to lose the leg and then the match as he slipped to a 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Latvian, who went on to beat Callan Rydz in the last 32.
While Razma appeared to accept his apology and carry on with the match, it remains to be seen whether the Stockport native will receive any disciplinary action from the tournament organisers.
Aspinall’s troubles with the dart comes less than a week after he missed three match points before losing his World Grand Prix last 16 contest with Ryan Joyce.
Razma will face Gerwyn Price in the last 16 after the Welshman eased past James Hurrell in his last 32 match.
Elsewhere, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross all booked their places in the last 32 in Wigan.
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Humphries saw off Kim Huybrechts 6-2, while Cross defeated Michael Cross 6-4. Dutchman Van Gerwen eased to a 6-2 victory over James Wade.
