"I’ve got a young family - I can't see it happening": Jonny Tata shuts down Q-School talk after impressive World Darts Championship debut

Jonny Tata will never forget the opening round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The New Zealander made his debut on the sport’s biggest stage and did so with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ritchie Edhouse.

Against expectations, Tata stayed calm, sharp and effective throughout. The result was a place in round two, a significant financial reward and a performance that reflected the growing strength of darts in the Oceanic region.

“It’s really great,” Tata said afterwards. “To get the win overall was great, and to get the 3-0 win, I wasn’t expecting that. So I’m very happy.”

For Tata, it was his first ever appearance on the Alexandra Palace stage. Where many debutants struggle under the pressure, the New Zealander appeared increasingly comfortable as the match progressed. “I’m honoured, you know,” he said. “I’m just really, really happy. I can’t really put it into words, I’m a bit speechless.”

That composure stood out, particularly given the environment. A loud crowd, bright lights and the knowledge that mistakes are punished instantly at this level did not unsettle him. Instead, Tata stuck to his game and made the most of the chances that came his way.

A key factor behind his assured performance was the experience gained earlier this year in the ANZ Premier League, where he competed week after week on major stages across Australia and New Zealand.

“The experience has been really good,” Tata explained. “Playing eight weeks straight of stage tournaments, I think it’s benefited us. Back in the Oceanic region, that’s what we needed, more stage time and more experience. It’s worked out pretty good so far.”

He believes that exposure has made a clear difference. “You can feel yourself roll into matches like this more easily.”

Another tough test awaits in the second round against Ryan Meikle or Jesus Salate. Tata views it with confidence but also realism. “I’m going to be confident, but at the end of the day they’re professionals,” he said. “Everybody here is a great darts player, so whatever happens, happens. I’m going to try my best and hope for the best.”

That grounded mindset reflects Tata’s wider approach to his career. There is no bravado, no inflated promises, just clear ambition within realistic boundaries.

When asked about his long term goals, Tata was notably honest.“At this point I’ve got a young family,” he said. “I considered Q School, but right now I just can’t see that happening.”

For now, his focus remains on darts in the Oceanic region. “For maybe another year or two I’ll carry on doing what I’m doing. If I can make it back here a couple more times, I’ll be pretty happy with that.”

It is an increasingly common approach among players outside Europe, building stability without putting everything else on hold.

Tata is optimistic about the future of darts in Australia and New Zealand. After years of fragmentation, greater structure is finally emerging.“Before, all we really had was the World Series of Darts,” he said. “But now to have the ANZ Premier League, it’s something else to look forward to and try for, with great rewards at the end of it.”

During his match, Tata was backed by a strong mix of Kiwi and Australian supporters in the crowd, with his family also in attendance.“Definitely great to have them here,” he said. “My family were out there, my partner and my dad as well. And to have the Aussies and Hopes here too was really good.”

Reaching round two also brings a guaranteed £25,000 in prize money, a figure that stretches significantly further back home.“It’s great,” Tata said. “The exchange rate is massive, basically double, so I’m really happy with that.”

Facing an established name like Edhouse did not alter his mindset.“I hadn’t really looked at his form,” he admitted. “I just thought I’d give it my best and see what happens.”

When opportunities arose, he took them.“He missed a couple of crucial doubles,” Tata said. “When that happened I just tried to jump on it as best I could.”

There is little doubt Tata has made clear progress this year. Strong performances in DPNZ events, a nine darter and a semi final run in the ANZ Premier League have all boosted his confidence.“Last year I didn’t have a great year,” he said. “So coming into this year I wanted to push as hard as I could and take every opportunity.”

He sees that development reflected across the region.“We’ve got great players in New Zealand and Australia,” Tata said. “With things like the ANZ Premier League, we’ve got something really good to build on.”

With a 3-0 win on his World Championship debut, Jonny Tata has not only announced himself on the global stage, but also underlined the growing presence of Oceanic darts. Calm, measured and fearless, he played the moment exactly as it came.