Damon Heta was crowned as the latest winner of the Kyle Anderson Memorial Trophy last weekend, following his impressive displays during this year’s Oceanic World Series of Darts double-header.
The specially-commissioned trophy – awarded to the best-performing Oceanic player in August’s World Series of Darts double-header – was created to remember Anderson, who passed away in August 2021.
The late Australian was a hugely popular figure on the PDC circuit, having made his breakthrough on the big stage with victory at the 2017 Auckland Darts Masters.
Heta claimed last year’s award following his run to the 2023 New South Wales Darts Masters final, and the Australian number one retained the trophy after finishing runner-up to Luke Humphries in the New Zealand Darts Masters.
The 37-year-old – also a quarter-finalist at the Australian Darts Masters – defeated his World Cup partner Simon Whitlock, reigning champion Rob Cross and two-time World Champion Peter Wright to cap off a terrific campaign in Hamilton.
“To win this trophy in honour of Kyle means a lot,” reflected Heta, who was presented with the award by Anderson’s former manager Mac Elkin.
“I won this last year, and to win it again this year just goes to show the impact that Kyle had.
“I feel it’s got to grow within the sport so the other players know what it’s going to represent, so I hope they can come along and start beating these guys!”
The boomerang-shaped trophy – commissioned by Ron Robinson with the base design by Uncle Greg Savin and artwork painted by Uncle Tom Croft – recognises Anderson’s Aboriginal heritage, and also features his own palm print.
Anderson made a significant contribution to the sport in his short-lived career, making seven World Championship appearances, representing Australia four times at the PDC World Cup of Darts, and landing two televised nine-dart finishes.
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Image: PDC
