NZ Darts Masters – my take

The NZ Darts Masters kicks off at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton this Friday the 23rd. With a prize pool of GBP60,000 (NZ$114k), it is going to be hotly contested by eight of the world’s top dart professionals against eight of Australasia’s current best dart players. For locals and visitors to the new venue, this will be their last chance to see the retiring Raymond “Barney” van Barneveld live down-under.

There will also be on show the Brisbane Darts Masters champ, Australian 32-year old from Perth, Damon Heta who is drawn up against the number one seed, Peter “Snakebite” Wright. I am betting that some of the other games will provide some upsets.

Cody Harris in the final game has a shot against van Barneveld, all depending on which Barney shows up of course.

The four times World Champ, or the Dutchman on holiday? But my favourite chance is for the 30-year old from Rangiora whom I played in the NZ Darts Open in Rotorua last year. Ben “Big Rig” Robb gets another shot at the Wizard, Simon Whitlock. Robb only just lost to Whitlock in last year’s NZ Darts Masters in Auckland 6-5 and should have won after missing a match dart at double 16. Whitlock is playing pretty good at the moment, but an upset is still well and truly on the cards.

There are tickets still available for this Friday and Saturday, although it is nearly a sell-out. So, get your tickets quick at ticketek.co.nz. For those unable or too lazy to get off the couch, check it out live on Sky Sports this Friday night from 6pm.

Straight arrows everyone.

Paul Webber

Owner – Bullseye Darts