In 2022, Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta became the latest nation to win the World Cup of Darts, coming through battles with England and Wales in becoming champions of the national pair’s competition.
Both players kick started the Final against Wales, with victories in their opening 2 singles matches after the Heat whitewashed Gerwyn Price 4-0. Simon included a crucial 120 finish to break Jonny Clayton in the 5th leg of the 2nd battle, before holding in the next leg to give the men from down under a 2-0 lead in the Final.
The Welsh pair sent the Final into a fourth game after breaking throw to clinch the seventh and deciding leg in the doubles match. The Ferret found double 16 with his last dart in hand to checkout 48, forcing him into a must win clash with Damon Heta after the interval.
The player who resides in Ilkeston, claimed a 4-2 victory to win the World Cup finding double 16 with his 4th attempt in the match, winning his first PDC televised title in Germany.
The Australian pair had a tournament to remember coming close to hitting the first 9 dart leg in a pairs match, after Whitlock wired the double 18, during the nations opening round 5-0 victory over Lithuania.
Both were strong in the Semi Final win over England, who were represented by Michael Smith and James Wade. Australia recorded a 2-0 success to reach only their 2nd Final, with the Wizard missing just 2 darts at double in whitewashing the Machine, including an average of 103.66.
Heta kickstarted proceedings against the English pair, crucially breaking in the last leg of the opening match of the Semi Final against Michael Smith, putting Australia on the front foot.
With the loss of Australian darts star Kyle Anderson who had represented his country at the World Cup before, the win in Frankfurt was dedicated to him. The Original produced some memorable moments in his PDC career, including a 9-dart leg at the 2014 World Darts Championship against Ian White at the Alexandra Palace.
Australia were appearing in their 2nd Final, with Whitlock alongside Paul Nicholson when the pair agonisingly missed match darts to win the title 10 years before, against English World Champions Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis.
A day that will live in the memory for Australia, as they became the 5th nation to win the PDC World Cup of Darts.
By Harry Masterson
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