Aussie darts showman doesn’t need the Ashes ‘Heat’
AAP
Cricket-loving Australian dart thrower Damon Heta reckons discretion is the better part of courage when deciding against flamboyant Ashes-themed marching antics that could turn raucous English crowds on his back at the world championship.
The popular Perth entertainer, known for his theatrical introductions to the Oche, enjoyed swathing the world-class match crowd at Blackpool during the Ashes two years ago in his full Aussie cricket kit, complete with bat and plenty of green, and was naturally jeered royally, if good-naturedly.
But ‘The Heat’ was in a much more sober mood before his fine 3-1 first round win over Irishman Steve Lennon; It was clear that a drunken crowd at London’s Alexandra Palace might not have taken too kindly to the reminder of England’s current Ashes situation Down Under.
“Blackpool fans are big darts fans, so they will understand my jokes,” Heta said.
“But what will people here think, last game on Friday night, football fans, half of them probably not cricket people, when an Australian guy comes along and starts talking about cricket? They’ll make me eat it!”
“Obviously I’m going to make light of it. I didn’t want that kind of attention. I just wanted to get the job done.”
“I’m more than happy with the way cricket is going, don’t get me wrong… hopefully the English can do well in the third as well… but I’m here to do a job and I don’t want to interact too much about it.
“I’ve got enough pranksters and stuff, forget about the crowds that feed me. I don’t need all this attention right now.”
World No 16 Heta, who joked that he was a “see the ball, hit the ball” batsman and a “quality fielder” before giving up cricket to focus on the arrows, had not been in his best form for the past few months but looked like he could get back to his best against Lennon.
The 38-year-old Englishman, the first of four Australians to enter the tournament, did not repeat last year’s heroics when his nine-dart leg against Rob Woodhouse earned both himself and a punter in the crowd £60,000 (AU$120,000) from tournament sponsors.
But he’s still chasing his “crazy” first million-pound winner’s check; His second-round obstacle is either five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld of the Netherlands or Stefan Bellmont of Switzerland on Sunday.
Victory in this match will likely set him up to play former champion Rob Cross in the third round, with reigning champion Luke Littler undoubtedly waiting in the fourth round.
Australia’s action continues on Monday evening (Tuesday AEDT) with experienced Simon Whitlock taking on England’s Connor Scutt.
The excitement continued on Sunday as 33-year-old New Zealand truck driver Jonny Tata recorded a stunning 3-0 victory in his first match against former European champion Ritchie Edhouse.
