Damon Heta savaged by crowd as Aussie star trolls with cricket-themed walk-on
Australian darts favourite Damon Heta did his best to wind up the Blackpool crowd with his cricket-themed walk-on at the World Matchplay.
The world No.13 reached the quarter-finals on Wednesday night by knocking over Brendan Dolan 11-1. Heta has never won a major televised PDC tournament but is confident of success, with several big-name stars already out of the World Matchplay.
Heta is making the most of his World Matchplay run by referencing the ongoing Ashes battle. Australia lead the series 2-1 after winning at Edgbaston and Lord's, with England taking the spoils at Headingley to keep their hopes of retaining the urn alive.
Heta was loudly booed by the crowd as he stood at the top of his mark wearing a 'Baggy Green' - the cap worn by Australia's Test cricketers - and tossing a cricket ball in his hands. He milked their jeers by blowing kisses back in their direction.
Heta then walked onto the stage to 10cc's 1978 tune 'Dreadlock Holiday'. The song is synonymous with cricket fans thanks to the lyrics: "I say, I don't like cricket (oh no!), I love it."
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The cricket references continued, as Heta produced some leg spin with his ball and appealed to the crowd. Legendary referee Russ Bray chuckled at the Australian's antics before the crowd started chanting: "Same old Aussies, always cheating!"
That chant was a reference to Australia's controversial win at Lord's, which saw Jonny Bairstow stumped by Alex Carey. Australia's wicketkeeper took advantage of Bairstow wandering, but the batter was only out of his crease because he assumed the ball is dead. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins controversially upheld his team's appeal.
But, as ever with the darts, the chant was just a bit of fun. The crowd also slaughtered Heta as he gave his post-match interview to Sky Sports. He was asked whether winding up the crowd was key to his success. The Aussie replied: "I will answer your question in a minute, but there's some delusional fans out there! Very delusional (laughs)!
"Look, Brendo didn't turn up tonight. It's as simple as that. If Brendo turns up, there's a game on here. I was comfortable, things got lucky for me. Yeah, Brendo deserved a bit more than that. It was just unlucky (for him). He didn't turn up."
Heta even bowled some leg spin on stage (Sky Sports)What do you make of Damon Heta's antics? Let us know in the comments below!
Heta is now regarded as one of the favourites to win the World Matchplay. Michael Smith, Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross - the PDC's top five players - have all been dumped out of this year's tournament in Blackpool.
When asked about his prospects of winning the World Matchplay, Heta replied: "Even if they were in (I would be confident). It is what it is. You just play who's in front of you and that's all you can do.
"I'm playing against one person plus 2,990-odd (fans) that's here (laughs)! It's all great banter and I wish you just enjoy the entertainment. I hope you love the crack!"
The crowd cheered in response before Heta said: "Thank you! You make this tournament, thank you very much!"
Heta was then asked whether he would prefer to win the World Matchplay or for Australia to win the Ashes. Australia will retain the urn if England fail to beat them at Old Trafford and The Oval. The darts star replied: "Well, I am a selfish guy! 100 per cent I would take the Matchplay, but I think we've got the Ashes sown up."
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Heta then bowed down to the crowd and received a mixture of boos and applause. He will face Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay, with Daryl Gurney and Jonny Clayton among those still in contention.
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