"There was a bit of niggle. He tried to get in my head" - Damon Heta handles Kim Huybrechts mind games on way to last 32 at UK Open 2025
PDC
Damon Heta has made an excellent start to the 2025 UK Open. The Australian number one defeated Kim Huybrechts 10-2 in his opening match and will now face Connor Scutt, who surprisingly beat Gerwyn Price in the last 32. Heta has fond memories of Butlins in Minehead, as he reached the semi-finals of the UK Open here last year.
In the battle with Huybrechts, Heta lost the first leg of the match, but then steamed on to a 6-1 lead and never looked back. "I felt pretty on edge at the start," admits 'The Heat'. "And then obviously, I started getting the wind and I was cruising at one minute. Then yeah, there was probably a bit of niggle. I just think he tried to get in my head to be honest and I welcomed it, because it just gave me another edge! I just got the job done so happy days."
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Heta doesn't seem to hold any ill-will over Huybrechts perceived attempt at mind games though. "It was frustrating times. I'm getting ahead, nothing was happening for him, so he's just tried something and it didn't work," analyses the Aussie. "At the end of the day, I got the job done and and that's all that matters."
As mentioned, Heta reached the semifinals at the UK Open in 2024, before ultimately losing out 11-6 to the eventual tournament winner Dimitri Van den Bergh. "I like the event. As a spectator, it's the best event I think," says Heta. "I love the draw I get really antsy and a bit nervous in my hands and I'm like: 'Who's got who?' And then you're watching the balls go down and your name's not out yet, and you're thinking who's in. I just enjoy it mate. It's such a good format and it should never change," Heta concludes with a smile.
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