Damon Heta has been one of the biggest success stories in darts since his decision to turn pro in 2018.
The former roofer decided to move his family to the UK from Australia to try his hand at full-time darts and he’s been reaping the benefits.
The Heat is currently inside the top 10 of the PDC rankings and he’s revealed his biggest inspiration for making the full-time leap into the sport.
Damon Heta says Kyle Anderson is ‘massive part’ of his success
As an Australian making his way in the UK, Heta revealed that Kyle Anderson’s successes in the sport were a huge factor in him believing he could do the same.
Speaking to MODUS Super Series Darts, he said: “We played a lot as Juniors and obviously we were mates before darts.
“He had a massive impact, just to see what he done and I compared myself to him when I played against him.
“Even though I don’t think he made it to that Elite level he got to that level. That’s what I think it was, he was here by himself and I think that played a massive part, an absolute massive part.”
Anderson moved from Australia to Nottingham to pursue full-time darts and sadly died in 2021 of kidney failure at the age of 33.
Heta’s gamble paid off
Despite making the huge jump from Australia to the UK to pursue darts professionally, it’s clear that the move has paid dividends for Heta.
The 37-year-old has won two Players Championship titles this year, including PC18 after overcoming jetlag, as well as the semi-final of the UK Open, where he defeated Luke Littler in the process.
There is every chance Heta can add to his two televised PDC titles before the year is out.