World Matchplay news: World Cup winner Damon Heta ‘ready’ for Blackpool step up
- Seb Sternik
- 16 July 2022
Fresh from his first high-profile televised title, Damon Heta admits he is ready to challenge for a major singles honour.
Heta helped Australia to a historic first World Cup of Darts triumph after teaming up with former finalist Simon Whitlock.
The pair powered to the showpiece and enjoyed an emphatic 3-1 win over Wales - a team made up of former world champion Gerwyn Price and former Premier League champion, Jonny Clayton.
Now that Heta has claimed his first big televised title, he is keen to emulate that achievement as a singles player.
"This is my second time here, so I know what the World Matchplay is about now. It's obviously very iconic," said Heta, who was beaten by Van Gerwen on his Blackpool bow 12 months ago.
"I'm hungry for success and anyone who plays me will be in for a real battle. I feel I've been very consistent this year, so if I turn up it will take a lot to beat me.
𝙰𝚄𝚂𝚃𝚁𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙰 𝚆𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙻𝙳 𝙲𝚄𝙿 𝙾𝙵 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝚃𝚂! 🇦🇺🏆
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) June 19, 2022
And just look what it means to Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta!
🎯 pic.twitter.com/WdRpV5sZjV
"I've learned a lot over the past couple of years, both on the TV stage and on the ProTour. Now I feel ready to take the next step, which is winning a TV ranking event."
Heta will kick off his 2022 World Matchplay campaign with a much anticipated first round clash against Joe Cullen.
A win would set up a potential match against the winner of a heavyweight collision between Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis.
