Luke Humphries returned to winning ways at the Winmau World Masters as he put his World Darts Championship disappointment behind him.
The World No. 1 had not won an event since November after frustrating outings at the World Darts Championship, Bahrain Darts Masters, and Dutch Darts Masters.
Luke Humphries narrowly defeated Jonny Clayton in a captivating final to become the first-ranking title winner of 2025.
Cool Hand toppled Damon Heta in the quarterfinals and the Australian has taken to made a hilarious joke on social media.
After Damon Heta previously took aim at Luke Littler, Heta has changed tact toward Humphries in his trademark manner.
Damon Heta wants Luke Humphries to ‘go’ after Masters win
Humphries made light works of Damon Heta in the quarterfinals of the Masters in a compromising 4-1 victory over The Heat.
Humphries has beaten Heta in four of their last five meetings and The Heat has taken to social media to make a tongue-in-cheek response.
Posting a picture of Cool Hand’s face on a golf ball, The Heat wrote: “Taking out some frustration on my new golf balls.”
The World No. 8 suggested the World No. 1 should take some time off, implying the rest of the tour would be given a chance at glory.
Heta continued: “Well done Luke Humphries on the win but I think it’s time you have a gap year and go & enjoy your winnings.”
Heta’s only win against Humphries, at the Players Championship 27 in 2024, was the first time the Aussie had beaten Cool Hand since 2020 at a PDC Home Tour event during the pandemic.
Damon Heta spends his World Championship nine-darter money
Heta grabbed headlines during the World Darts Championship for hitting one of only two nine-darters at the tournament.
The Heat’s perfect leg against Luke Woodhouse at Alexandra Palace pocketed him £60,000 and the Aussie has confirmed what he spent the money on.
Heta went up-market with a piece of wristwear as he bought himself a Rolex with one of the biggest prizes he’s ever received.
Speaking at the Masters, Heta said: “My heart did skip a beat when that (the money) left my account,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever purchased something so big, but I had to do it because I put it out there.
“And I’m a man of my word, so I just went for it. As soon as that money went in (from Paddy Power) I thought let’s go to the shop. And yeah, sure enough, Milton Keynes had a dealer, and I just bought one mate.”
Heta will next be in action at the first Pro Tour event of the year on February 10 at Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan.