Damon Heta's meteoric rise continues with 'The Heat' rising to the challenge to seal his maiden European Tour title in a dramatic 8-7 victory over Peter Wright at the Gibraltar Darts Trophy in the last staging of the European Tour staple at least for a while.
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Heta adds to his stage title haul alongside the World Cup of Darts and Brisbane Darts Masters and seals a third ranking title alongside two ProTour wins.
It was a game which saw Heta lead 5-3 and 7-5 after being 3-0 down but in being sent to a decider, there was an incredible six missed match darts from Wright before darting destiny went to the Aussie who hit double four to claim it.
A 180 and 56 checkout saw Wright claim an opening hold before he produced a stunning break in the form of a 121 checkout using bull, treble seven and bull to go 2-0 up. A third 180 followed before Heta produced one of his own but Wright hit a fourth to leave 55 which he pinned to hold at 3-0.
Heta hit a 171 to leave 94 before finally getting his first leg on the board on double eight at 3-1 down. He produced a blockbuster of his own with a 167 checkout on bull for a 3-2 deficit.
He began his throw with a 180 and two missed darts at double from Wright allowed Heta to step in for 3-3. It was five on the spin from Heta as he sealed a 74 checkout for a 5-3 lead.
Heta missed 113 for another break after more double misery for Wright and ‘Snakebite’ stopped the rot on double 20.
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Wright hit a superb 149 set up only for Heta to hit 122 on the bull to go 6-4 up. Heta nearly got a dart at 136 after Wright missed more darts but double eight was pinned to make it 6-5 down.
But Wright couldn’t trouble Heta’s throw and ‘The Heat’ went one away at 7-5 on double 10. Wright made Heta serve it out though.
Heta had a poor leg though throwing it out and Wright broke on double 10 to send it all the way. Heta could not hit 167 again and left only 110 and Wright took aim at 85 for the win which he missed.
Heta missed 110 on double 16 though but returned with more darts missed. Heta did the same again though and Wright could not look on but returned. Wright busted though going for five and again Heta had another chance and pinned double four.
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HETA IS THE CHAMPION 🏆
Drama. Personified.
An absolutely incredible final with drama to the very last dart, as Damon Heta wins his first ever European Tour title, beating Peter Wright 8-7.
Incredible finishes, staggering misses, and a new champion!
What darts 😱🎯