Raymond Smith makes history with a 170 checkout and, with his second weekly title, becomes the first to secure a place in Finals Night at the ANZ Premier League

Raymond Smith has become the first player to secure a place in the Finals Night of the 2026 ANZ Premier League. The Australian won the fourth night in Auckland, beating Brody Klinge 5-2 in the final. Smith also produced a historic 170 checkout, underlining his excellent form.

The former World Championship participant was the standout player at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. Smith won all three of his matches 5-2 to claim his second weekly title of the season. He had also topped the opening night in Canberra. His Auckland victory earned him five ranking points and A$1,000 in prize money.

Last year’s ANZ Premier League finalist can no longer be caught at the top of the standings. Smith is set to reach Finals Night for the second year in a row, where he will hope to go one better and lift the title.

Smith began his night with a convincing 5-2 win over Mal Cuming. He then faced New Zealander Jonny Tata in the semi-finals. Tata had earlier beaten Joe Comito 5-3.

Smith also came through against Tata, winning 5-2. He created a special moment by taking out 170, the first time in ANZ Premier League history that a player has hit the maximum checkout.

Smith produced his best performance of the night in the final against Brody Klinge. The Australian hit four 180s and posted a 95.97 average. Klinge could not keep pace with his compatriot and went down 5-2.

Afterwards, the night’s winner was delighted with his performance and the atmosphere in Auckland. “That was absolutely incredible. What a brilliant crowd; it was fantastic,” Smith said, adding that he had enjoyed the mixed reactions from the stands.

“I’ve come over to New Zealand and noticed the crowd reacts a little differently here. But it’s good to have people behind you, and it’s good to have people against you, too. It creates a different energy and helps you focus that little bit more.”

Although Smith has already secured top spot in the regular season, he believes there is still room to improve. The disappointment of losing last year’s final remains a major motivation. “I still think I have a lot more in me. I can take another step forward. I was disappointed to lose the final last year, so I need to improve again. That’s my goal.”

For Brody Klinge, the fourth night brought a welcome change in fortunes. The Australian Darts Masters finalist had gone winless in the first three nights, but finally showed what he is capable of in Auckland.

Klinge, who has already won nine titles on the ADA circuit this year, opened with a 5-2 victory over Tim Pusey. He then beat defending champion Simon Whitlock 5-1 in the semi-finals. Klinge won five legs in a row to secure his place in the final in convincing fashion.

Smith ultimately proved too strong in the final. Even so, Klinge’s run to the final leaves him with a slim chance of reaching Finals Night.

Whitlock had earlier booked his place in the semi-finals by beating Ben Robb. The former European Championship winner defeated the New Zealander 5-3. Robb’s loss marked his third consecutive quarter-final exit.

The ANZ Premier League moves on to Newcastle, where the fifth and final night of the regular season will be held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Finals Night in Brisbane will bring the competition to a close.

For now, Raymond Smith is the only player guaranteed a place at Finals Night. Joe Comito, by contrast, has been eliminated. The other six players will contest the three remaining places on the final night.

The Newcastle quarter-finals have been set according to the standings after four nights. Smith will face Comito, while Tim Pusey takes on Ben Robb. Jonny Tata meets Brody Klinge, and Mal Cuming faces defending champion Simon Whitlock.

Qualification is no longer at stake for Smith in Newcastle. The Australian can turn his attention to Finals Night in Brisbane, where he will aim to claim the top prize after losing last year’s final.