Damon Heta sent Alexandra Palace into disaster on Friday afternoon after he struck a sensational nine-dart surface setting off a ₤ 60,000 payment to a random fan in the crowd at the PDC World Darts Championship.
The spectacular moment came during his second-round clash against English gamer Luke Woodhouse.
But the Australian couldn't ride his momentum, with British darts star, Woodhouse coming back from going 3-1 down to clinch nine straight legs of darts and advance to the last 16 at the World Darts Championships for the very first time in his profession.
Despite the defeat, Heta will win ₤ 60k in his pocket, following his impressive nine-dart task.
For this year's PDC World Darts Championship, Paddy Power are paying an overall of ₤ 180k for every single nine-darter scored throughout the tournament, with the funds to be divided three ways.
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The gamer who tosses the best leg will receive ₤ 60k, a lucky fan at Alexandra Palace will likewise be handed a ₤ 60k cheque, while the wagering company are likewise set to donate ₤ 60k to Prostate Cancer UK, the main Charity partner of the tournament.
A fan in the audience who was wearing a yellow trilby hat and a Christamas-themed sports betting jacket was picked as the fortunate winner of the big prize money.
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Damon Heta hit an astonishing nine-dart surface on Friday afternoon at Alexandra Palace
HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! Damon Heta lands the 2nd nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez
- PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024
The World No 9 won himself ₤ 60k with the best leg, with Paddy Power likewise now set to contribute another 60k to charity and to a random fan in the crowd at Ally Pally
Hilariously another fan had actually been seen holding a sign behind the man that read Wayne Mardle's iconic 'I can't spake' line, which the legendary darts analyst had actually said following Michael Smith's nine-darter at the 2023 World Championships.
Paddy Power are likewise donating ₤ 1,000 for every 180 tossed during this Year's champion as part of their Bigger180 campaign.
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Heta's ideal leg was the second nine-dart finish at the tournament. As of today, Paddy Power had raised over ₤ 500,000 for charity with 462 180s having been struck at the competition prior to the start of this afternoon's session.
The Australian started improperly against Woodhouse, with Heta conceding the first set, being broken by his challenger in the final leg of the first set.
He hit back in the second term with an outstanding passage of play, racking off two 180s and the last 141 in style.
The 37-year-old Australian, who comes from Perth, jumped around the phase in festivity and at one point even appeared to jump off the phase.
His challenger, Woodhouse, looked simply as as Heta did, jumping up and down on the stage before revealing his class, providing the Aussie star a hug and raising his hand in the air to commemorate the marvelous task.
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The Brit, 36, has been hailed for his reaction to the moment online, with one fan writing: 'Luke Woodhouse's celebration after Heta's nine-darter is class.'
Paddy Power later exposed the gentleman who had actually won the ₤ 60,000 prize pot
The minute among the audience learnt they were ₤ 60,000 richer pic.twitter.com/G0eYn9n2ln
- Sky sports betting Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 27, 2024
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Heta (left) and Luke Woodhouse (best) welcomed on phase after the legendary moment
After Heta had actually gone a set down in the first exchange, his nine-dart surface saw him bounce back versus his British opponent to draw level at 1-1
'Big props to Luke Woodhouse - he's truly buzzing for his mate! Love the sportsmanship and excitement!' another wrote on X.
'The method Luke Woodhousecelebrates Damon Heta's nine-darter and raises his hand later on is what makes this sport so terrific,' one composed.
'The sociability in darts is incredible. Just take a look at the way Luke Woodhouse, commemorated his challenger's nine-darter earlier,' another said.
After the match, Woodhouse reviewed the marvelous moment that saw his great friend Heta stroll away with ₤ 60k.
'Me and Damo are excellent friends,' he informed Sky sports betting. 'We play golf together a lot. We hang out and practice a lot ...
'I understand he was gutted when he missed his double twelve in the first video game.
'So, yeah, when he hit that nine-darter the crowd went wild.
'You couldn't not celebrate with him!'
Luke Woodhouse pic.twitter.com/Oza4ZK63yV
- Martin (@martin_kcr) December 27, 2024
Elated by the spectacular finish, the Australian, who hails from Perth, jumped off the stage in elation
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Woodhouse was applauded for his response to his opponent's nine-dart finish, with some admiring his 'sportsmanship'
Heta would go on to control in the 3rd set, winning 3-2 and again dominating the fourth, breaking his challenger twice.
But Woodhouse, who is ranked No 35 in the world, recovered, winning all three last sets to turn things around on his opponent and development through to the next round.
A noticeably emotional Woodhouse said after the match: 'I'm over the moon.'
'It's not just me it's my wife, my family and my boy. So [I'm doing] really excellent.'
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Aussie Darts Star Damon Heta Hits a NINE-DARTER At Alexandra Palaec
angelinamatloc edited this page 2025-01-02 13:53:53 +08:00