New Zealand reach maiden World Cup of Darts Quarter-Final after beating South Africa in doubles decider

New Zealand are the first through to the Quarter-Finals at the World Cup in Hamburg but they were made to work for it.

After a whitewash win for both pairing, they went to the decider and despite opening up a big lead; they squandered multiple match darts. Despite that though New Zealand edged through to make a first Quarter-Final for the country in the process.
The singles matches were decided with Vernon Bouwers set to take on the star man for New Zealand in Cody Harris. This meant Devon Petersen would face debutant Haupai Puha.
Harris eased past Bouwers in a whitewash win to begin proceedings. ‘Code Star’ showed his experience on the stage and the highlight had to be a 72 checkout on the bull which put him 2-0 up in the early going.
Then it was the turn of Petersen vs Puha and for them the equation was simple, Devon wins; they go to a doubles decider and if Puha wins; New Zealand win 2-0.
Petersen though was up to the task and put in a brilliant performance to also whitewash his opponent. This included a 101 average which shows the form he’s in on the big stage and it was highlighted by an excellent 132 checkout.
From there it went to the pairs and Harris stamped his authority early as they doubled their lead with ease before missed doubles cost South Africa. Harris came back to pin a 72 checkout to put them one away.
Despite that though they missed match darts and this allowed South Africa back into the contest. When they missed eight overall, it was poised at 3-2 before New Zealand finally took the tie to move through.

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Saturday afternoon schedule

South Africa 2-1 New Zealand
Single 1: Vernon Bouwers (73.18) 0-4 (84.68) Cody Harris
Single 2: Devon Petersen (101.9) 4-0 (97.11) Haupai Puha
Pairs: South Africa (80.8) 2-4 (86.28) New Zealand
Singapore v Japan
Scotland v Sweden
Belgium v Germany
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