Luke Littler sends classy message to Damon Heta as nine-dart hero crashes out of World Championship
WATCH NOW: GB News sport round-up
Luke Littler has shown his class by congratulating Australian Damon Heta on achieving a nine-dart finish at the PDC World Darts Championship, despite recently missing out on a £60,000 bonus for the same feat himself.
The 17-year-old darts prodigy took to Instagram to praise Heta's perfect leg, posting "That's how ya do it" along with a crying face emoji and tagging his fellow competitor.
Heta's perfect leg came at a crucial moment during his second-round clash with Luke Woodhouse at Alexandra Palace.
The Australian achieved the championship's second nine-dart finish while the match was delicately poised, with Woodhouse leading by a set and the players level on legs.
Luke Littler got in touch with Damon Heta
Reuters
Despite his remarkable achievement, Heta couldn't maintain his momentum. The 37-year-old surrendered a 3-1 lead, with Woodhouse ultimately progressing to the last-16.
Littler's own brush with perfection came during his 3-1 victory over Ryan Meikle earlier in the tournament.
The teenage sensation was in scintillating form, particularly in the fourth and final set where he averaged an extraordinary 140.91.
The Nuke came agonisingly close to securing the nine-dart finish, only to see his final arrow at double 12 hit the wire.
Following his near-miss, Littler expressed his frustration and apologised to the fan who missed out on the Paddy Power bonus.
"It's definitely becoming a frustration in a good way," he said. "Obviously, as soon as you make the switch to the treble 19, your eyes light up."
"I heard the camera pan around to the winner, so I'm sorry whoever you are! I'll try again," added the teenage star.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Damon Heta has crashed out of the World Championship despite his nine-darter
PA
Littler's pursuit of darting excellence continues as he aims to make PDC history this year.
The teenage sensation is looking to become the first player to record five perfect legs in a calendar year, having already achieved nine-dart finishes at multiple prestigious events.
His perfect legs have come at the Bahrain Darts Masters, Players Championship, Belgian Darts Open and in the Premier League final.
You may like
