Damon Heta chasing maiden World Championship title

Few sports have enjoyed the worldwide development in recent years that darts has, with its global appeal reaching further than ever before. 

As the sport takes off with international betting sites, more markets are being offered and the PDC World Darts Championship in London is the flagship event on the calendar. 

As a spectator sport, few events are more enthralling than darts, with the unique scoring system of the game lending itself perfectly to sports betting and it has seen a real surge in popularity with many betting apps. 
 
The profile of darts in Australia continues to grow too, with the infamous Simon Whitlock long having been the flagbearer for darts in the country. 
 
However, there is a new kid on the block, with Damon Heta beginning to assert himself at the top of international darts – seeing his world ranking rise to 10th over the past 12 months or so. 
 
He has progressed to round 3 of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship and he and Aussie bookmakers are hoping he can go the distance at the Ally Pally. 
 
Heta the hero 

Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Damon Heta has long been on the periphery on the PDA World Tour, having first acquired a tour card back in 2008. 
 
Now at the age of 36, ‘The Heat’ has established himself as one of the major players on the PDC World Tour and he has the game to challenge the very best in the business in the eyes of many darts punters and betting apps. 
 
Playing from 10th seed here at the Alexandra Palace is representative of the progress he has made at this level, and he will be hoping to bring the trophy back to Australia. 
 
What next for Whitlock? 

Whilst the progress of Damon Heta has made headlines with many Australian online betting sites, the fact he is the only Aussie left in the draw will be a concern for the future of Australian darts. 
 
Former world finalist Simon Whitlock has been searching for form on the PDC World Tour for the past few seasons and another early exit here at Alexandra Palace has many wondering what the future holds for the ‘Wizard’. 
 
At the age of 54, many would be forgiven for thinking Whitlock’s best years are behind him, but he continues to show real resilience on the PDC World Tour and writing him off completely seems unwise. 
 
Who will reign supreme at the Ally Pally? 

Winning the PDC World Darts Championship is the ultimate accolade for any player and the race to be crowned the 2024 winner looks more open than ever before. 
 
Defending champion and number one seed Michael Smith has looked imperious once again this year and the man from St Helens looks to be very comfortable with his game currently. 
 
His key competition will come in the form of Michael van Gerwyn, the Dutchman who has won the title on three occasions but not since 2019, which is sure to be a bone of contention with him. 
 
Elsewhere, 16-year-old Luke Littler has been the story of the tournament so far, whilst the likes of Luke Williams, Jonny Clayton and of course, Damon Heta will be looking to have their say too. 

Following their 2022 World Cup of darts triumph, the Australian team have plenty of expectation surrounding them in the PDC World Championship with online betting sites. 

Australian veteran Simon Whitlock fell at the first hurdle, but 10th seed Damon Heta remains in the hunt for his maiden Grand Slam title.