Australia's Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock topple Wales in World Cup Darts final
- Sean Fisher
- 19 June 2022
Australia's pairing of Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock managed to win the World Cup of Darts for the first time in the nation's history, beating Wales' pairing of Gerywn Price and Jonny Clayton.
The World Cup of Darts reached a dramatic climax on Sunday evening, as Australian duo Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock clinched a narrow victory over 2020 champions Wales.
Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton put on a superb showing two years ago and lifted the World Cup for Wales for the first time after beating England 3-0 in the final.
But the pairing weren't able to replicate their feat on Sunday evening, with Heta and Whitlock securing a 3-1 win in Frankfurt, Germany.
AUSTRALIA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!🇦🇺🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 19, 2022
Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock are taking the World Cup trophy to Australia for the first time!
Heta and Whitlock defeated Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton 3-1 in the final. pic.twitter.com/IsZgDy1Nzy
The Welsh duo collapsed in the opening two singles matches, with Price suffering a 4-0 defeat to an in-form Heta, while world No.8 Clayton lost 4-2 to Whitlock.
Australia then had a vital opportunity to clinch the title with a 3-0 lead in the doubles session, but Heta missed a crucial match dart to allow Wales to fight back. Price and Clayton eventually rallied and ended up staying in contention with a 4-3 win.
But in the fourth singles match - between Clayton and Heta - it was 'The Heat' that brought the heat and came out on top to seal the victory.
Heta managed to remain composed, and after hitting a 180 in the sixth leg, he finished on a double 16 to help team Australia to their first World Cup title.
Your CHAMPIONS 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 19, 2022
World Cup ever-present Simon Whitlock finally gets his hands on the World Cup of Darts trophy!
With Heta alongside The Wizard, Australia finally rule the world of darts 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/rLOzk9Wezb
Following the final, the Welsh duo were graceful in defeat, with Price praising the performance of their opponents.
"We weren't at our best in the final, but Simon and Damon played fantastically. I predicted we would win but fair play to them they're a good team.
"But we'll be back and we'll be stronger," added Price.
As for the Australian duo, Whitlock labelled the victory a "dream come true".
Ten years after reaching the World Cup final for the first time, Whitlock was asked whether he thought he'd ever return to the big stage.
"I did actually, and I've had a great partner - Damon's been amazing. He's been a great partner, a great friend and with a great crowd."
Whitlock went on to express what the win meant to him: "It's life changing, I've dreamed about this moment my entire life and I've finally got there."
