Heta Aims for Milestone Victory at Alexandra Palace

Damon Heta is set to compete against Switzerland’s top player, Stefan Bellmont, in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship. This event will take place on Sunday evening at the iconic Alexandra Palace. Heta, a seasoned competitor, is entering his sixth World Championship.

Previous Performance

Last year, Heta experienced a bittersweet exit from the tournament. He reached the last 32 before losing to Luke Woodhouse, despite achieving the competition’s second nine-dart finish. This moment highlighted his potential, yet he fell short in the final stages.

Challenging Year for Heta

The 38-year-old Australian has faced a difficult 2025. He suffered first-round defeats in several major tournaments, including the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, European Championship, and Players Championship Finals. He also exited in the round-robin stage of the recent Grand Slam of Darts.

Recent Success

Despite these challenges, Heta recently celebrated a 3-1 victory over Steve Lennon. This success has reignited his optimism for the tournament. Heta commented on his current state, “I think from first walking through that door, my spirit was really high.”

Confidence and Preparation

The world number 16, who has won two Players Championship titles this year, feels that he has gained valuable experience from past tournaments. He stated that although this year has felt tough, he has performed better than expected. “If this is my bad moment, things are looking good for me,” he asserted.

Competition Analysis

• Heta acknowledges that defeating Lennon was crucial, as he is a determined competitor.
• Looking back at last year, Heta recognized the importance of learning from his loss to Woodhouse.
• The nine-dart finish was a highlight, although it did not lead to victory.

Future Aspirations

As he prepares for his match against Bellmont, Heta emphasizes the confidence he has built through practice sessions. He trained with fellow players, including Gian van Veen and Stephen Bunting, strengthening his readiness for the competition. “I feel like I’ve always got one way and that’s up,” Heta remarked.

With his sights set on a deep run in the tournament, Heta remains focused on showcasing his skills at Alexandra Palace. As the championship progresses, fans will be eager to see if he can achieve a milestone victory this year.