Darts fans love Luke Woodhouse's reaction to Damon Heta's nine-darter that erupted Ally Pally

The dramatic match saw Woodhouse battle back from a 3-1 deficit in an inspired performance to book his place in the fourth round.

"I have no words at all," Woodhouse told Sky Sports after his victory. "I don't think it was the greatest game in the world but I managed to come through it."

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Woodhouse celebrated enthusiastically when his opponent hit a perfect nine-dart leg, pumping his fist and jumping for joy before embracing Heta.

Darts fans loved seeing Woodhouse hype up the crowd as Heta celebrated wildly himself.

One fan wrote: "Belting that he celebrated his opponents success like that. What a great character."

Another posted: "This is what darts is about."

While a third said: "This got me fired up! Now in the man cave playing darts and chugging a San Miguel."

This fan put: "Thats the kind of sportsmanship that makes darts so great."

And another wrote: "Thats pure passion for darts right there."

"Me and Damon, we're good friends so we go and play golf together a lot and we hang out and practice together," Woodhouse explained.

"I know he was gutted when he missed the double 12 in his first game so when he hit that nine-darter it was brilliant. The crowd went wild, I couldn't not celebrate with him."

Heta's perfect leg marked the second nine-darter of the tournament at Alexandra Palace, following Christian Kist's achievement last week.

The feat earned Heta a £60,000 prize, which will be split between himself, charity and a lucky fan in the crowd.

"When he hit it, I couldn't control myself. I was as excited as he was for him to hit it," Woodhouse said. "£60,000 to Damo, £60,000 to charity and I'm not sure who wins it in the crowd, but it makes their Christmas a little bit better."

Woodhouse credits his recent success to improved mental composure developed over the past 18 months.

"I've said for years if I can get my composure and my head right on stage, then I'll always stick in games," he explained.

"It's only the last sort of 18 months that I've managed to curb that sort of head loss and stuff. At the moment I'm feeling really good."

The Englishman has also learned to maintain focus regardless of his opponent's performance. "I've taught myself not to really pay attention too much to other players and what they're doing."

HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥

UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯

Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024

An emotional Woodhouse reflected on what the victory meant beyond his personal achievement. "I'm over the moon. It's not just me, it's my family, my wife, my boys so it's good. It's really good."

The victory was particularly impressive given his early struggles. "First two sets, I just could not settle at all," he admitted. "It was like I was trying to put them in the treble. I had no rhythm, I had no sort of fluidity to my game at all."