"I take it a bit more professional than others": Damon Heta looks ahead to redemption on home soil

Damon Heta returns to his home country next week for the Australian Darts Masters. After a strong showing last year in Down Under, where he finished as a runner up during the New Zealand Darts Masters, Heta will be eager to go one better with the help of his home crowd.

Speaking on Sportnationnz , Heta said “it’s great to come back home and even to New Zealand. It’s a massive one for me… I get to play in front of a home crowd.”

For the 36-year-old Aussie, this event Is more than just another stop on the darting calendar. Born in Perth, Heta’s career took flight in 2019 where he won the Brisbane Darts Masters as an unknown. Since then, ‘The Heat’ has made a name for himself, becoming a fan favourite due to his energetic character and passion on stage.

Last years narrow defeat only strengthened Heta’s hunger to complete that home turf win and win thousands of Aussies behind him, he believes he can harness their energy and make history.

“The crowd are there for you rather than when you go to England and Europe, they’re against you. I get to stick it to these other boys. It gets the crowd going and it’s such a great feeling”. But Heta’s edge is not only his home advantage but his preparation and professionalism towards this particular event.

Heta explained “I train pretty much every day. I have a bit of discipline; my eating habits are good.”

While some players like Luke Littler have openly said they don’t train often, Heta brings a methodical approach. He understands the physical and mental demands of the game, “I like to get out there and go for a run, put some cardio in there because you can just get stuck in a rut where you’re just eating crap all the time and hotel hopping, and then you’re not doing anything physical.”

The Aussie presents a level-headed perspective and uses his routes as a motive to try and perform to the highest level. “You’re just chucking darts… a lot of players don’t practice much, and It blows my mind”

“I just think about everything that’s on offer and where I’ve come from”

“I just take advantage of where I am and don’t want to look back on, I should’ve done this or I should’ve done that.”

With both the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters holding a special place in Heta’s heart, he hopes these events “continue forever, that wat I get to go home.”

The Australian Darts Masters will be taking place the 8th and 9th of August where Heta will hope to lift the title in front of his home crowd.