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.