Former World Cup of Darts winners, Australian duo Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta, have reached the last 16 of the 2024 edition after narrow victories in both of their group matches.
Although they are far from the form that saw the Australians win the title in 2022, Heta and Whitlock secured a hard-fought 4-2 win over Hong Kong’s Lok Yin Lee and Man Lok Leung on Friday night to secure top spot in their group. Hong Kong missed three darts on the outer ring against Australia in the fifth match. Heta then scored 107 for a break and a 3-2 lead. The Australian duo secured victory with a 15-dart shot in the sixth match.
“It's very difficult to get through the groups. All the countries play fantastic darts and it's really hard work,” a relieved Whitlock, who has represented Australia in every Darts World Cup so far, said at the post-match press conference. . Both Australian players praised their opponents' performance.
“They played really well, absolutely brilliant. If they had played on different days and then played us again, things might have been different,” Heta added. “But they weren’t fresh. They literally stayed for nine hours or something, but to be fair, they did well and they felt comfortable there doing their thing. The Asian Tour is the next level and it’s great to see that it’s grown.”
Despite the Australians winning the title a few years ago, not many believe the green and gold will win the title this time around. However, the duo's close bond is a huge potential advantage, the team believes. “What you're doing at the World Championships is brilliant, mate,” Heta warmly tells Whitlock. “I admire you so much.”
By Sylke Puck