Haupai Puha immensely proud to be "Waving the New Zealand flag" on PDC Pro Tour

Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at 12:30

Haupai Puha made history at Q-School last week. The 38-year-old New Zealander became the first player from his country to succeed in capturing a PDC Tour Card.

Puha failed to win a tournament at Q-School, but finished first in the Order of Merit, enough so for a Tour Card. "It's life changing obviously. I can get off the tools, stop being a roofer," Puha said. "Being professional... it's a big change for my family."

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As he alludes to, joining the Pro Tour means no more roofing work for Puha. "It's hard work travelling around the country, sacrificing time away from my family and that kind of stuff."

"I'll play against the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Peter Wright and I'll be just another guy in the room I guess!" Puha laughs. "Waving the New Zealand flag."

'Hopes' has gained some experience in recent years. He competed twice at the PDC World Championship, including this year, where he lost 3-1 to Martin Lukeman in the opening round. In 2022 he was also active at the WDF World Championship, but there he also lost in the opening round.