Damon Heta claimed the Gibraltar Darts Trophy title by defeating world number one Peter Wright in a dramatic 8-7 showpiece on Sunday. It was his first major success on the European Tour.
It was an enthralling conclusion to the Professional Darts Corporation’s European Tour as the Australian pocketed the top prize of £25,000 at the Victoria Stadium. Heta adds this trophy to his previous stage title successes including the World Cup of Darts and Brisbane Darts Masters.
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The 35-year-old was able to attain a 5-3 and 7-5 lead after being 3-0 down at the beginning, but after being sent to a decider, there was an incredible six missed match darts from Wright before the Aussie hit double four to snatch the victory. Reigning world champion Wright threw some excellent darts in the match but he was left to rue those six crucial darts at the death.
“I’m absolutely stoked,” Heta told PDC. “To get one European title under my belt so early in my career, it’s unexpectedly expected.”
“My weekend’s been up and down - I haven’t had a steady game all weekend and to come away with my first European Tour win I’m really happy.
“Peter had his chances, just like I did, and the crowd deserved a last-leg decider. To happen like it did, I don’t know what to say.”
Wright congratulated Heta for his accomplishment, saying: “Hats off to Damo. I didn’t expect to miss my doubles and I didn’t expect him to miss but hopefully it was entertainment.
“It was his day today. He gave me chances to get back into the match, he was blowing me away and he took his foot off the pedal.
“He’s been pushing and pushing but he gets horrible draws and keeps running into the top players.
“He’s left home and come over here but now you watch him.”
‘Snakebite’ was not the only darts superstar the Perth-born Heta dismantled on his way to this surprising triumph. He defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-6 in the semi-finals after coming from 4-1, 5-2 and 6-4 down to win.
Wright added: “He beat Michael van Gerwen and me, he can beat anybody in the world, he’s brilliant.”
