Rob Cross began the defence of his New Zealand Masters title with a narrow deciding-leg win over Haupai Puha on Friday, as Luke Littler returned to winning ways on his debut in Hamilton.
Cross edged out Puha in a last-leg shootout at last weekend’s Australian Darts Masters, and it was a repeat result at the GLOBOX Arena, as the reigning champion fought back from 5-4 down to deny the Kiwi once again.
Home favourite Puha performed superbly in the early exchanges, but following a sequence of ten consecutive hold of throw, Cross made his move in the decider to advance with a 97 average.
“Haupai played brilliantly on his own throw. He was clinical,” reflected Cross.
“I was thinking I needed to sneak a 12-darter in that last leg if I wanted to get through, but I got a little bit fortunate in the end.
“It is fantastic to be part of the World Series, and I’ve got to pour everything into tomorrow now, where hopefully I will play a bit better.”
Friday’s opening round saw all eight PDC superstars overcome their Oceanic counterparts, as Gerwyn Price began his bid for back-to-back World Series of Darts titles with a 6-3 win over Ben Robb.
The Welshman drew first blood with a brace of ton-plus checkouts, before producing a majestic ten-dart leg on his way to victory over Puha’s World Cup partner.
“I slipped up early on and then Ben started playing with freedom,” said Price – who averaged 96 and registered five 180s.
“Ben could have probably gone 4-3 up, but thankfully I took that leg and I didn’t look back after that.
“I’m feeling a lot more confident now. Even in practice I feel like the dart is leaving my hand better, and that hasn’t happened over the last couple of months, so I’m in a good place.”
Littler, runner-up to Price in Wollongong last weekend, was Friday’s stand-out performer as he defied a senseational 155 checkout from Jonny Tata to seal a 6-3 success with a 102.2 average.
“I felt really good coming into the game, and I’m glad I could take that on to the stage,” admitted the 17-year-old.
“It just didn’t happen in the final last weekend, so I had to pick myself up and go again, and I’m happy with that performance.
“I would love to win over here and get another title under my belt. It would mean a lot to win this, and I cannot wait to play again.”
Luke Humphries began his bid for a maiden World Series crown with an impressive 6-3 win over emerging talent Kayden Milne with a 99 average.
“Kayden is a fantastic player, so I knew I had to be on my game,” insisted the world number one, who reeled off his last five legs in 14, 15, 13 15, and 14 darts.
“I still wasn’t at my best. I think I’m still acclimatising to the time zones, but I’ve really enjoyed my time here.
“We’re privileged to have these fantastic opportunities to travel the world and entertain the fans, and hopefully I can play my best tomorrow and lift the title.”
Meanwhile, Australian number one Damon Heta breezed through to the quarter-finals with a 6-1 rout of his World Cup partner Simon Whitlock, landing finishes of 132 and 116 to seal the deal in style.
Two-time World Champion Peter Wright kicked off his campaign with a whitewash win against debutant Daniel Snookes, aided by consecutive 101 and 121 checkouts in the early exchanges.
Dimitri Van den Bergh ran out a convincing 6-3 winner against Mark Cleaver, crashing in four 180s and conjuring up a 149 checkout on his way to victory over the DPNZ number one.
Michael Smith also progressed by the same 6-3 scoreline, reeling off four consecutive legs from 3-2 adrift to win through a hard-fought contest against Australian qualifier Jeremy Fagg – which sets up a quarter-final showdown against Humphries on Saturday.
WATCH THE NEW ZEALAND DARTS MASTERS STREAMED LIVE HERE
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New Zealand Darts Masters 2024 Day One Results
Friday August 16
First Round
Peter Wright 6-0 Daniel Snookes
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-3 Mark Cleaver
Michael Smith 6-3 Jeremy Fagg
Luke Humphries 6-3 Kayden Milne
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Ben Robb
Rob Cross 6-5 Haupai Puha
Luke Littler 6-3 Jonny Tata
Damon Heta 6-1 Simon Whitlock
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