NZ Darts Open

Over 400 people (290 Men, 120 Women) played in the NZ Open Wednesday this week at the Events Centre in Rotorua (including yours truly). The event was a hit with people coming from all around the country with the usual suspects featuring, of course, in the final rounds.

The setup all week in Rotorua which sees six days of competition, from regional Teams Events, Husband and Wife, Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Mens and Womens Singles along with Wednesday’s NZ Open, Men and Women was well supported throughout with ages ranging from teenager’s through to 70+. (don’t want to be specific there)

The running of the competition was a credit to the New Zealand Darts Council who provided a room for refreshments and facilities for all the players and supporters. With 96 boards, they were able to get plenty of games going at once, which of course you’d expect at this level.

If you are a player at any level, even just for the experience, I would thoroughly recommend having a go and entering the competition next year (for just $25), even if you fancy your chance at the $1,500 first prize for men, $1,000 for women, just for the experience or an opportunity to play some of the best dart players in the country.

No doubt darts has never been better placed than it is right now. Some emerging talent was proven last week when the first ever kiwi beat a pro live on t.v. last week at the Auckland Darts Masters. (well done to Mark McGrath beating Michael Smith 6-4).

For the record, well done to Tahuna Irwin from Gisborne and Judy Fenton from the Bay of Plenty, this year’s New Zealand Open champions.

Good luck and straight arrows everyone.