"It feels like I'm orchestrating the whole crowd" - Top darters enjoy latest stint Down Under

The World Series of Darts descends on the Spark Arena in Auckland this weekend, where New Zealand fans can get ready for a lineup full of world-class players. One of the biggest eye-catchers is teenage sensation Luke Littler, who just last week took the title in Wollongong with an 8-4 win over Mike De Decker in the final. It was his first World Series title of the season for the world number two.

Still, it did not all go smoothly for the 18-year-old world champion. In the first round, he had all the trouble of home player Haupai Puha, who almost knocked him out of the tournament. "Haupai is one of the biggest names out there, he's competed in the world champs for a while now," said Littler. "You've also got Ben Robb, they want to win in front of their home crowd," he opined by odt.co.nz.

Puha, the first New Zealander ever to hold a PDC Tour Card, comes to Auckland after winning a DPNZ Pro Tour title in Hamilton. The Kiwi delegation also includes Robb, Jonny Tata, Mark Cleaver and John Hurring.

Despite his young age, Littler has now become familiar with the pressures and media attention that come with his status. "For myself, it's come naturally. The media attention, it's part of the deal. Every competition, it's the same, with interviews and all of that stuff. I cope with it really well."

Defending champion Luke Humphries, who won the New Zealand edition in Hamilton last year, is looking forward to his title defence. "It really is nice to come back…the people are always really friendly which is what I love most about this country," he said.

According to Humphries, countries that host large darts events less often tend to have an extra enthusiastic atmosphere. "I think you find when you go to the countries that don't get (major darts events) so much, they tend to enjoy themselves a bit more. Sometimes in England they take it for granted because they get it 20 times a year."

Another contender and crowd-pleaser is Stephen Bunting, who at 40 is experiencing the best form of his career. "I've been working hard behind the scenes, I'm really confident. It's great to be a part of the world series going to all these great cities, you're playing against the best week in, week out," he said.

Bunting emphasizes that he is not putting on his performance just for himself. "I've not just doing this for myself, I'm doing it for my family and everyone involved and just enjoying the journey." His walk-on music, Titanium by Sia, is now an integral part of his image and fan experience. "It's very important, the walk-outs. It's a huge, huge song and as soon as the crowd starts singing it back it gets a bit emotional. It feels like I'm orchestrating the whole crowd and I feel a lot of love when I'm up on the stage."