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Luke Woodhouse denies nine-dart Damon Heta as Price edges Cullen in World Championship classic

Jamie Shaw in World Darts Championship 28 Dec 2024

Luke Woodhouse celebrates (Photo by PDC)

Luke Woodhouse defied a nine-dart finish from Damon Heta to progress to the Last 16 of the World Darts Championship, as Gerwyn Price edged out Joe Cullen in a sudden death thriller.

Heta registered the second nine-darter of the tournament to pocket a £60,000 bonus, as well as triggering a £60,000 bonus for Prostate Cancer UK and one lucky fan in the crowd, but found himself on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline.

Woodhouse produced a stirring fightback from three sets to one down as he reeled off nine consecutive legs to reach the Last 16 at Alexandra Palace for the first time.

Heta produced the perfect leg on his way to levelling the contest at one set apiece, but the Australian number one lost his range midway through the tie, and Woodhouse capitalised with a nine-leg blitz.

“I was as excited as Damon when the nine-darter went in,” joked Woodhouse. “I couldn’t control myself!”

“It’s a brilliant feeling; to come back against a player like Damon is a massive achievement for me, and I’m just looking forward to the next game now.”

Meanwhile, a classic contest saw Price defy a gallant fightback from Cullen to clinch victory in a last-leg shootout.

Cullen was denied by Luke Humphries in a sudden death leg at Ally Pally 12 months ago, and lightning struck twice as he was left to rue a missed match dart in another agonising defeat.

Price surrendered a 3-0 lead and saw Cullen miss double five for victory, but the Yorkshireman landed a remarkable 170 checkout to force a deciding leg.

Price, however, held firm to put his earlier double troubles behind him and set up a Last 16 showdown with Welsh compatriot Jonny Clayton.

“I’m not playing Jonny, I’m playing the board, just like I always do,” said Price.

“I’ll go up there and concentrate on my game, we’ll shake hands after and may the best man win.

“I’ve got a lot more in the tank, I can play a lot better than I played tonight.

“Joe made it so tough, he just kept coming back at me and I actually thought I was going to lose the game.

“I was just desperate to get over the winning line after putting myself in a tricky position, but thankfully I got the win.”

Clayton raced into a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney, but had to fend off a valiant fightback from the Northern Irishman who won nine of the next 11 legs to set up a thrilling climax.

However, Gurney squandered seven darts at doubles to force a tie-break, and Clayton kept his cool to move through to the Last 16 for the third consecutive year.

“I don’t make it easy for myself, I keep everyone on the edge of their seats,” Clayton joked.

“It’s great to get over the line, I somehow hit the double four to win so I’m a happy man.

“Daryl is a gentleman, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he was unlucky not to beat me.

“I got a bit of luck today but I’ve now got to make the most of this opportunity.”

Reigning champion Luke Humphries will continue his title defence against Peter Wright in the Last 16 after coasting to a 4-0 whitewash of Nick Kenny.

The world number one dropped just four legs in a commanding display over Kenny – who was restricted to just seven attempts at a double.

“It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted because of how well Nick played in his last game,” said Humphries, who averaged 98 and converted 52 per cent of his double attempts.

“There’s so much more to give but it just wasn’t coming out tonight, but I’m pleased to be through.

“I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight and I’m looking forward to playing Peter Wright next.”

Wright, meanwhile, defied a chest infection to close out an impressive 4-2 win over European Championship finalist Jermaine Wattimena.

The two-time World Champion averaged 96.2 and fired in ten 180s in a fine display against the in-form Dutchman.

“I think Jermaine maybe felt a bit sorry for me,” said Wright.

“[The chest infection] wasn’t affecting my darts. Hopefully I’ll feel a bit better by the time I play my next game.

“I think experience got me through tonight, along with the support from the crowd.”

Masters champion Stephen Bunting posted a ton-plus average in a 4-1 demolition of Latvia’s Madars Razma.

The 39-year-old averaged 100 and landed six 180s to continue his title charge, although he insisted he is not concerned about sending out a statement to his title rivals.

“I couldn’t care less about what the others are doing to be honest,” said Bunting, a semi-finalist in 2020/21.

“It’s all about me, and the Bunting bandwagon! The crowd today was unbelievable. I was crying during the walk-on, it was that emotional!

“It is a special place to play. When you’re up on that stage there’s nowhere to hide, but when you have 3,000 fans shouting your name, you are just riding on the crest of wave!”

World Darts Championship 2024/25 Day Ten Results

Friday December 27

Third Round

Afternoon Session
Damon Heta 3-4 Luke Woodhouse – *Heta hits a nine-darter*
Jonny Clayton 4-3 Daryl Gurney
Stephen Bunting 4-1 Madars Razma

Evening Session
Gerwyn Price 4-3 Joe Cullen
Jermaine Wattimena 2-4 Peter Wright
Luke Humphries 4-0 Nick Kenny

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Luke Woodhouse denies nine-dart Damon Heta as Price edges Cullen in World Championship classic

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