Heaver vows to return after World Champs defeat
NEWBURY’S Jason Heaver has admitted that he’s got the taste of the World Darts Championship and has vowed to make a return next year.
The 47-year-old, who was making his debut at Alexandra Palace, saw his tournament come to an end after a 3-1 defeat to Danny Noppert in the second round on Thursday evening.
Heaver got off to a flying start as he took the opening set and went into the first break 1-0 ahead.
But the world number 18 took control and was helped when a number of Heaver’s darts continued to fall out of the board. “Taking the first set made me think that I could do it, but there were so many bounce outs for me and it was frustrating.
“It absolutely killed my game,” said Heaver.
Heaver averaged 94 in the opening leg, but Noppert battled back to level up the score with an impressive set that included two ton-plus checkouts of 126 and 104. A 3-0 score in the third set saw the Dutchman take control and although Heaver got on the board in terms of legs in the fourth set, Noppert secured the victory with a third straight set.
It’s been a brilliant year on the oche for Heaver, who can certainly hold his head high after his efforts in the World Championship.
He has reached the quarterfinal stages of two Players Championship tournaments in the last six months and he also made it to the semi-finals of another back in March.
A second round appearance at the
UK Open came before that and his debut at Alexandra Palace started with a first-round win over Gordon Mathers on Sunday.
Despite being eliminated by Noppert, the Newbury man is desperate to build on his performances in 2021.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have reached the second round, it was absolutely brilliant, because I never thought I would get this far and I am happy.”
When asked if he’ll return to the World Championship, he said: “100 per cent, I’ll be here again.
“For the first year [on the pro tour] I have done really well.
“Next year I will put 100 per cent in and I will do all I can.”