Damon Heta is determined to achieve something special ahead of his clash against Switzerland’s number one Stefan Bellmont at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Sunday evening.
Heading into his sixth World Championship, Heta made his mark at Alexandra Palace last year in bittersweet fashion, bowing out in the last 32 to Luke Woodhouse, despite landing the competition’s second nine-dart finish earlier in the contest.
Heta has endured a challenging 2025 on the big stage, suffering opening round defeats at the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, European Championship and Players Championship Finals, while exiting in the round-robin stage of last month’s Grand Slam of Darts.
However, the 38-year-old - a winner of two Players Championship titles this year - was in in high spirits following his 3-1 win against Steve Lennon last week, believing he has what it takes to enjoy a deep run this time around.
“I was up for it, I was absolutely buzzing. I think from first walking through that door, my spirit was really high,” exclaimed Heta, the world number 16.
“I’ve done alright this year. It feels like it’s been my worst year, but I’ve done alright compared to most, so if this is my bad moment, things are looking good for me.”
Although it was smooth sailing for Heta in advancing to round two, he had praise for his opponent Lennon, who will now have to return to Qualifying School in January in a bid to reclaim his PDC Tour Card.
“You know he’s a steady player – he’s got the levels to go on,” continued Heta.
“For myself, it was a tricky draw. It’s a banana peel; you can slip up.”
Looking back at his defeat to Woodhouse last year, the match was remembered for the iconic nine-dart finish and celebration from Heta in the second leg of the second set.
The Australian number one eventually succumbed in a dramatic deciding-set, but insists he’s learnt from that experience as he bids to break new ground in the capital.
“It was a great moment last year, don’t get me wrong,” added the former World Cup of Darts champion.
“The over celebration, the highs and the lows, and it all happened in one game. It was a massive learning curve for myself.
“This year, happy days. We’ll get on with the job, and hopefully I’ll go really far to be honest.”
It was clear Heta was oozing with confidence post-match, and he revealed his pre-match preparation with Gian van Veen gave him the confidence to return to winning ways on the big stage.
“I practised with Gian [van Veen], we were smashing it up. I just felt a lot of confidence today, it meant so much," Heta revealed.
“I’ve done a lot behind the scenes, I’ve practised with [Stephen] Bunting, I had a chuck with Jermaine Wattimena. I’ve done a lot and I feel really good.
“I feel like I’ve always got one way and that’s up. I’m just a hard worker and things are going to happen for me, that’s how I see it.”