2018 PDC Auckland Darts Masters preview: Friday session

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.

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