Damon Heta sent a clear message to his doubters at the Australian Darts Masters on Saturday, insisting his 2026 season is far from a disappointment after he cruised past compatriot Joe Comito in the opening round in Wollongong. The world number 20 delivered an emphatic 6-2 victory with an outstanding 102.39 average, showcasing the form that he believes has been building for weeks.
Despite failing to reach the quarter-finals of any of the first four majors of the year, Heta refused to label his campaign a struggle. “I wouldn’t say struggles. I would say I haven’t been getting results. I feel like as of late things have been pretty good for me,” he said. The 38-year-old pointed to recent deep runs at Players Championship 25, where he reached the final, and the European Darts Open, where he made the semi-finals, as evidence that his game is back on track.
Against Comito, Heta admitted he initially felt too comfortable before shifting gears when his old friend started to find his range. “I think I just felt too comfortable. I was having a bit of fun up here. I have known Joe for many years and I know what he is capable of. He got those few legs and I was like, he can build on that confidence. I shut it down a little. I just enjoyed myself and the crowd was on my side, so I will take that all day,” Heta explained.
The Australian also used his World Matchplay qualification as a rebuttal to critics. “If it has been a bad year and I have qualified for the World Matchplay, then it has not been too bad, I imagine,” he said. “To play like I have been lately and tonight, for instance, I am very happy and I feel very comfortable when I come to do things like this.”
Heta now faces Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals, a tough test but one he approaches with confidence after his scoring power returned to its best. A victory would move him a step closer to his first title of 2026, and on home soil, The Heat is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
