The PDC Auckland Darts Masters begins on Friday. Michael van Gerwen finds himself in a very strange situation.
The PDC world number one sits outside the top four in the World Series Order of Merit. As a result, he isn't seeded in Auckland. Instead, he finds himself in a devilishly tricky half of the draw including newly crowned World Matchplay winner Gary Anderson, Peter Wright and reigning Auckland Darts Masters champion Kyle Anderson.
That makes things very interesting for players in the other half of the draw. Simon Whitlock's first foray into the World Series in 2018 begins against Ben Robb, a last minute entry stepping in for the absent Corey Cadby. Rob Cross is the top seed for the Auckland Darts Masters. The world champion will be looking to avoid a shock against homegrown competitor John Hurring.
Michael Smith meets Mark McGrath in round one. Raymond van Barneveld faces a fellow veteran, Warren Parry, who lost to Barney at the same stage last year.
Kyle Anderson's title defence begins against a stage debutant, Haupai Puha. The 33-year-old former golfer qualified as joint-top of the DPNZ Order of Merit alongside Parry. Wright's opening match is against young prodigy Tahuna Irwin. The 21-year-old has already guaranteed a World Championship spot, so this tie will be vital practice for the Ally Pally.
Van Gerwen's bid to win the Auckland Darts Master as an unseeded player begins against a PDC regular. Cody Harris has been vaunted as the future of New Zealand darts for a few years, and has appeared at the World Championship. It'd be a major coup for Harris if he could see off Mighty Mike.
US Darts Masters winner Gary Anderson then looks to make it two wins from three World Series events in 2018 against Australian Tim Pusey.
Click here for the full ITV4 schedule for the Auckland Darts Masters.
Friday session schedule
Simon Whitlock v Ben Robb
Rob Cross v John Hurring
Michael Smith v Mark McGrath
Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry
Kyle Anderson v Haupai Puha
Peter Wright v Tahuna Irwin
Michael van Gerwen v Cody Harris
Gary Anderson v Tim Pusey
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- Missed that as was working. Damon must be absolutely gutted. Will be interesting to see Premier League players.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- What a top class match that was, gutted for Cullen. Great to see them both play so well. One of the matches of the year.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- He is a legend and a very good set player, was great to see him play well.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- And this should be the end of it. He was playing like a w****r and gestured as such. End of.Mysstree25-12-2024
- Cross will likely be No. 4 in the world after the world's. He's been in the quarter's or higher in 7 out of the 14 ranked TV majors in the last 2 years. Neither Williams or Cross played close to what they're capable of in this match.Matilda6224-12-2024
- Was a great match and am a fan of Scott, don't see much of him on TV. How the hell is Cross 5 in the world, he goes out almost immediately in every competition.richieburnettrocks24-12-2024
- He has Guillerme Barre Syndrome. Nerve damage due to autoimmune response. Could take him months to recover if at all.medinabello23-12-2024
- I have a nickname for him Ni I man.medinabello23-12-2024
- C'MON HEMPS!!medinabello23-12-2024
- He looks very healthy. I doubt he can run or anything. You need carbs for that. Carbs fuel your brain also. It is the preferred energy source for the brain. Carbs get broken down into glycogen fuel for your muscles. As a rider I totally need carbs. However for a dart player who doesn't need a brain or be fit this diet is perfect.medinabello23-12-2024