Kayden Milne, Darren Herewini and Jonny Tata secured participation in the New Zealand Darts Masters at last weekend's continuation of the DPNZ Tour.
The GLOBOX Arena in Hamilton hosts the New Zealand World Series tournament on August 4 and 5, with eight of the world's best darters taking on eight local darters.
Two qualifying tournaments were played last weekend. Herewini, a 2017 participant at the Auckland Darts Masters, defeated Milne 7-5 thanks to a 130 finish in the 12th leg in the final of the first qualifying tournament.
The second qualifying tournament was a triumph for Jonny Tata, who will make his television debut at the New Zealand Darts Masters. He defeated, among others, former World Darts Championship participant Bernie Smith on his way to the final. There he was too strong for Jonty Reede, 7-4.
The 23-year-old Milne also secured his spot in the entry field as the highest - not yet qualified - player on the DPA ranking. This is a ranking for darters in Australia. Also participating on behalf of the Oceanic representation are Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Ben Robb and Haupai Puha.
One more name will be added to that. That starting ticket will go to the highest ranked player on the DPA Order of Merit after the upcoming tournament weekend July 8 and 9.
He’s back! ‘The Apocalypse’ Darren Herewini will return to the NZ Darts Masters stage for the first time since 2017 after beating Kayden Milne 7-5 in the first qualifying final. He hit a 130 finish to book his ticket to Hamilton. #Darts @OfficialPDC #NzDartsMasters
