NATHAN ASPINALL “nearly pooed my pants” after being confronted by a darts rival who was wearing a STAR WARS MASK.
Only in darts could someone rock up to the practice room and then scare the life out of their opponent while donning a hairy Chewbacca costume.
But that is what American qualifier Gates, 55, was accused of doing in the build-up to the second-round clash on Monday night at Ally Pally.
The Force was strong with Aspinall, 34, as he won 3-0, dropping only three legs, and set up a third-round tie against Dutchman Kevin Doets.
No15 seed Aspinall said: “Have you heard what Leonard did in the practice room? He turned up, tapped me on the back and he had a Chewbucca mask.
“Honest to God, I can’t say it, I nearly pooed my pants, I was a bit scared.
“He’s a great guy. I played Leonard here last year. I had a job to do, I won 3-0, it was very comfortable and I’m back after Christmas.
“I’ve dropped one set in two matches. Played pretty average. I have tried to enjoy my game.
“Every time I’ve played here, the crowd gave me great support. I want to put a show on. It’s not that easy.
“Kevin is a great player. I haven’t got a very good record against him. And I think he knows that as he has been talking to me in the hotel.
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“Rest assured, I will enjoy my Christmas with my family, come back and I will put a show on for these guys as they deserve it.”
Speaking before the game, Leonard Gates said: “We were in the players’ room and I was wearing my Chewbacca mask.
“I walked up to him and he was like, ‘Oh my God, what is this?’
“So that’s a start. I’m going to peek around the corner with him and show, ‘Hey, I’m still here.’
“No disrespect to Nathan, of course.”
Gian van Veen is flying high after he posted the highest average of this year’s tournament.
The Dutchman, 23, produced a magnificent 3-1 display in the second round as firefighter Alan Soutar went out in a blaze of glory.
Two-time world youth champion Van Veen averaged 108.28, hit seven 180s, took out 48 per cent on the doubles, nailed a 170 Big Fish finish, and only had three trebleless visits.
Yet he was grateful Soutar, 47, bust his score of 71, hitting double 16 by mistake instead of intended target double eight, as he was throwing for the second set.
Van Veen – who worked in the aviation industry in his homeland before turning to darts – took advantage of that mishap and drew level at 1-1 with a 72 outshot.
This was a performance that underlined why he is one of the contenders for the big pot.
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