"If it has been a bad year and I have qualified for the World Matchplay, then it has not been too bad": Damon Heta silences doubters and perceived struggles after Wollongong opener

PDC
Saturday, 22 August 2026 at 09:11
Damon Heta at the 2026 Australian Darts Masters
Damon Heta showed at the Australian Darts Masters that his form has been heading in the right direction again in recent weeks. The Australian comfortably defeated compatriot Joe Comito in the opening round, doing so with an excellent average of 102.39. On home soil, Heta is hoping to continue that momentum and finally claim his first title of the year.
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The 38-year-old Australian has endured an inconsistent 2026 campaign so far. Results on the biggest stages in particular have failed to live up to expectations. Heta did not reach the quarter-finals of any of the first four majors of the year, meaning he has regularly had to settle for an early exit.
However, the world number 20 refuses to describe his season as disappointing. According to Heta, the main issue has been his results rather than his actual level of play. In recent weeks, that has also started to be reflected in his results.“I wouldn’t say struggles. I would say I haven’t been getting results. I feel like as of late things have been pretty good for me," said Heta.
That positive development had already become noticeable in recent weeks. Heta reached the final of Players Championship 25 and also made it to the semi-finals of the European Darts Open. The Heat appears to be gradually rediscovering the level that established him as a regular presence among the PDC elite over the past few years.

Strong start in Wollongong

Against Comito, Heta immediately made it clear that he had no intention of making a short appearance at the Australian Darts Masters. With an average of 102.39, he was the better player and eventually secured a 6-2 victory.
What stood out was how much Heta enjoyed his performance. The Australian has known Comito for many years and knew that his compatriot had more than enough ability to make the match competitive. However, when Comito won a few legs, Heta decided to shift up a gear.
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“I think I just felt too comfortable. I was having a bit of fun up here. I have known Joe for many years and I know what he is capable of. He got those few legs and I was like, he can build on that confidence. I shut it down a little. I just enjoyed myself and the crowd was on my side, so I will take that all day."

World Matchplay as evidence

Heta also stressed that his season is not nearly as poor as some of his results might suggest. One important indicator, according to him, is the fact that he successfully qualified for the World Matchplay.
“If it has been a bad year and I have qualified for the World Matchplay, then it has not been too bad, I imagine.
The Australian appears keen to emphasise that he still has confidence in his own ability. His recent results and strong performance against Comito give him plenty of reason for that confidence.
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“To play like I have been lately and tonight, for instance, I am very happy and I feel very comfortable when I come to do things like this.”
Damon Heta at the 2026 Australian Darts Masters
Damon Heta claps.

Jonny Clayton next test

Heta will immediately face a tough opponent in the quarter-finals. Jonny Clayton stands between the Australian and a place in the final four of the Australian Darts Masters.
For Heta, the Welshman represents a serious test, but the Australian will head into the match with confidence. With his average above 100, he has already shown that his scoring power is back to its best.
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A victory over Clayton would also take Heta another important step closer to his first title of the year. The Australian is still waiting for silverware in 2026, but appears to be rediscovering his best form at exactly the right time.
After a period in which his results did not always match his own expectations, The Heat once again has reason for optimism on home soil. His message is clear: the form is returning, the confidence is growing, and Heta wants to achieve more in Wollongong than simply winning his opening-round match.
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