Express & Star

Midlands thrower through to World Darts Championship last-16

Midlands hope Luke Woodhouse fought back to seal a place in the World Darts last 16 – after seeing his rival complete a nine-dart finish.

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Luke Woodhouse celebrates winning the first round match against Lourence Ilagan
Luke Woodhouse celebrates winning the first round match against Lourence Ilagan

The Australian achieved darting perfection in the second set of his third round match with Bewdley’s Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday.

Heta's feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist's effort before Christmas.

Woodhouse hugged the Australian and raising his arm in the air.

Heta then surged into a 3-1 sets lead needing only one further to win. But Woodhouse fought back to seal a 4-3 victory and seal a place in the last 16 for the first time.

An emotional Woodhouse said: “Me and Damo, we’re good friends.

"We go and play golf together a lot and hang out and practice together.

"When he hit that nine-darter it was brilliant, the crowd went wild."

And on reaching the last 16, he added: “I’m over the moon, it’s not just me... it’s my family, my wife, my boy – it’s really good.”