Damon Heta has missed a golden opportunity of a New Year's Day date with the great Michael van Gerwen at the world darts championships after slumping to defeat in the last-16 at Alexandra Palace.
The Australian hope was left to reflect on what might have been as he missed a host of shots at doubles in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of English showman Scott Williams on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
World No.10 Heta, having reached this stage for the first time in his quest to become the first individual Australian world darts champion since Tony David in 2002, was warm favourite to take the scalp of the world No.52 Williams.
But while he had the firepower to win - the Perth star exited the tournament having hit more maximum 180s (28) than any other player - he paid a high price for his 23 missed darts at the outer ring.
In the deciding leg of the first set, Heta missed a big 20 that messed up his chance of having a shot at a key double and went 1-0 down.
After levelling the match, the 36-year-old then wasted two set-winning double attempts in the third set, and, calamitously, four more in the fifth when leading by two legs to one.
In contrast, Williams produced the razzle-dazzle when required, looking away from the board as he completed one cheeky 180 visit and also hitting a maximum 170 finish among three 100-plus checkouts.
Heta had never looked comfortable amid the overwhelming support for home player Williams.
"It was going to be a tough game regardless, Damo is such a great player," said Williams.
"The crowd got on his back and my finishing was better than his, so happy days."
Heta was the latest seed to tumble following even bigger shocks earlier in the tournament with former champion Gerwyn Price and holder Michael Smith both knocked out in the third round.
The defeat deprived Heta a nothing-to-lose shot at three-time champion van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, with the Dutchman having hardened as the bookmakers' favourite to lift another crown.
"Michael? Michael, yeah, I have heard of him," smiled Williams.
"I am really looking forward to it - he is a completely different gravy to everyone else in the competition."
