has vowed to improve after a sub-par showing in the European Darts Trophy. The world No. 12 managed to battle his way past Ritchie Edhouse to book his spot in the last 16.

However, Aspinall struggled throughout the match and ultimately prevailed 6-5 in a deciding leg. He had previously raced into a 5-2 lead before Edhouse responded in style with 170 and 130 checkouts.

'The Asp' had no response as his opponent rallied impressively, with his average dropping to just 88.59 before he managed to put the tie to bed and prevent Edhouse from completing a sensational comeback.

Reflecting on his disappointing display, Aspinall said: "Terrible. Absolutely rubbish. It was a struggle. I was beating myself up.

"It's tough, I've not had a win yet on the European Tour and I needed one tonight. I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself. I've got that win now so I can relax and I'm now on the European Tour Order of Merit.

"Ritchie is like me; he never gives in. I've been in so many battles with Ritchie over the years he is a fantastic dart player. At 5-2, I thought I'd won. I was playing okay. But then he played really well for three legs and I was rubbish.

"But I think I showed my class at the end to win. Jermaine is a great player but I won't play that Shiza again! I've got to get one for my mate Dobey tomorrow."

The victory means that Aspinall will now face Jermaine Wattimena, who impressed when beating Chris Dobey to reach the last 16. The Dutchman heads into the clash in sensational form after securing a 6-4 win over the Premier League star, averaging 111.07 en route to victory.

Aspinall has produced some of his best darts against Wattimena in their previous clashes though and can take confidence from his six wins in seven clashes over the 37-year-old.

Elsewhere, Luke Humphries will face Michael Smith in the last 16 following his victory over Boris Krcmar. Martin Schindler will take on Gary Anderson, while Gerwyn Price is set to face Wessel Nijman.