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Damon Heta sent out Alexandra Palace into crisis on Friday afternoon after he struck a sensational nine-dart surface activating a ₤ 60,000 payment to a random fan in the crowd at the PDC World Darts Championship.

The stunning minute came during his second-round clash against English gamer Luke Woodhouse.
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But the Australian couldn't ride his momentum, with British darts star, Woodhouse returning from going 3-1 down to clinch nine straight legs of darts and advance to the last 16 at the World Darts Championships for the first time in his profession.

Despite the defeat, Heta will win ₤ 60k in his pocket, following his impressive nine-dart feat.

For this year's PDC World Darts Championship, Paddy Power are paying an overall of ₤ 180k for every single nine-darter scored during the tournament, with the funds to be divided three ways.

The gamer who throws the ideal leg will get ₤ 60k, a lucky fan at Alexandra Palace will also be handed a ₤ 60k cheque, while the wagering company are also set to contribute ₤ 60k to Prostate Cancer UK, the main Charity partner of the competition.

A fan in the audience who was wearing a yellow trilby hat and a Christamas-themed blazer was chosen as the fortunate winner of the huge prize money.
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Damon Heta hit a spectacular nine-dart finish on Friday afternoon at Alexandra Palace

HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! Damon Heta lands the 2nd nine-darter of the competition to raise the roofing at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez

- PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024

The World No 9 won himself ₤ 60k with the best leg, with Paddy Power likewise now set to donate another 60k to charity and to a random fan in the crowd at Ally Pally

Hilariously another fan had actually been seen holding an indication behind the man that checked out Wayne Mardle's 'I can't spake' line, which the famous darts analyst had actually stated following Michael Smith's nine-darter at the 2023 World Championships.

Paddy Power are also contributing ₤ 1,000 for each 180 tossed during this Year's championship as part of their Bigger180 project.

Heta's perfect leg was the second nine-dart finish at the tournament. Since this early morning, Paddy Power had actually raised over ₤ 500,000 for charity with 462 180s having actually been struck at the competition prior to the start of this afternoon's session.

The Australian started inadequately against Woodhouse, with Heta conceding the very first set, being broken by his challenger in the final leg of the very first set.

He hit back in the 2nd term with an exceptional passage of play, racking off two 180s and the last 141 in style.
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The 37-year-old Australian, who comes from Perth, jumped around the phase in festivity and at one point even appeared to jump off the phase.

His opponent, Woodhouse, looked simply as thrilled as Heta did, jumping up and down on the phase before showing his class, providing the Aussie star a hug and raising his hand in the air to celebrate the mind-blowing feat.

The Brit, 36, has been hailed for his reaction to the moment online, with one fan writing: 'Luke Woodhouse's celebration after Heta's nine-darter is class.'

Paddy Power later on revealed the gentleman who had actually won the ₤ 60,000 reward pot

The minute one of the audience discovered they were ₤ 60,000 richer pic.twitter.com/G0eYn9n2ln

- Sky sports betting Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 27, 2024

Heta (left) and Luke Woodhouse (ideal) welcomed on phase after the impressive moment
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After Heta had gone a set down in the very first exchange, his nine-dart surface saw him get better against his British opponent to draw level at 1-1

'Big props to Luke Woodhouse - he's really buzzing for his mate! Love the sportsmanship and enjoyment!' another composed on X.

'The method Luke Woodhousecelebrates Damon Heta's nine-darter and raises his hand afterwards is what makes this sport so excellent,' one wrote.

'The camaraderie in darts is incredible. Just take a look at the method Luke Woodhouse, commemorated his opponent's nine-darter previously,' another stated.

After the match, Woodhouse reviewed the sensational moment that saw his good friend Heta win ₤ 60k.

'Me and Damo are buddies,' he told Sky sports betting. 'We play golf together a lot. We hang out and practice a lot ...

'I know he was gutted when he missed his double twelve in the very first game.

'So, yeah, when he hit that nine-darter the crowd went wild.

'You couldn't not commemorate with him!'

Luke Woodhouse pic.twitter.com/Oza4ZK63yV

- Martin (@martin_kcr) December 27, 2024

Elated by the mind-blowing surface, the Australian, who hails from Perth, leapt off the phase in elation

Woodhouse was applauded for his reaction to his opponent's nine-dart finish, with some lauding his 'sportsmanship'
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Heta would go on to dominate in the 3rd set, winning 3-2 and once again dominating the fourth, breaking his opponent twice.
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But Woodhouse, who is ranked No 35 on the planet, recuperated, winning all 3 last sets to turn things around on his challenger and progress through to the next round.

A visibly psychological Woodhouse said after the match: 'I'm over the moon.'

'It's not simply me it's my partner, my family and my young boy. So [I'm doing] truly good.'