Pro Tour 1 seen 63 players take the oche for the season opening.
There was a good mix of men, ladies, youth and for the first time in a DPNZ event we had the pleasure of Roger Watts a disability wheelchair player compete.
It was also the debut of Dart Connect for DPNZ and it all seemed to go without any hitches or issues.
Feedback from the viewing public and players was extremely positive and it was great that everyone could watch the matches from near and far.
There were 135 matches played in section play with the highest 3 dart average 65.52. The highest event average in section play was Haupai Puha on 88.78.
In section play John Hurring had the fewest dart leg against Tuhawaiki King with just 11 darts. He also had the highest match average in the same match with 101.90.
The highest checkout went to Steve Hanley against Jayden Lawson with a lovely 160.
There were 34 matches played in the knockout round with the highest 3 dart average 74.04.
In the knockout round Ben Robb had the fewest dart leg against John Hurring with 11 darts. He also had the highest match average against Darren Dummigan with 93.94. Warren Parry wasn’t far behind with 92.29 against Haupai Puha.
The highest checkout went to Hayden Garing against Tukina Weko with a 160 peg.
There was a good mix of youth players vying for points for the Youth World Championship spot but unfortunately, they all fell short of the top 16.
The final was between Ben Robb and Warren Parry, it was certainly a great match to watch between two great mates. Ben was the victor with an average of 89.51 and Warren 80.12.
A great days play.
Pro Tour 2 seen 68 players take the oche for day two.
Again a great mix of men, ladies and youth turned out for an early start at the Black Horse Hotel in Christchurch.
There were 145 matches played in section play with the highest 3 dart average 62.58. The highest event average in section play went to Tukina Weko with 84.91.
James Bailey of Australia had the fewest dart leg against Arron Kerr with just 11 darts.
James Bailey tied with Haupai Puha on the highest match average both on 96.97, Josh Roberts was not too far behind on 95.43.
Highest check out in section play was from Ben Robb with a 158.
Knockout round consisted of 38 players with 37 matches played. The event 3 dart average was 77.24.
Ben Robb had the highest match average with 115.04. He also had the fewest dart leg with 11 and in the semi-final against John Hurring just missed taking out a nine darter.
Haupai Puha had the highest check out with 167 against Ben Robb.
A special mention must go out to Jordan Whyte with a spectacular 170 finish in the consolation round.
The final was between Ben Robb and Haupai Puha with Ben coming from behind and taking the match in his normal style. Ben ended the match with a 97.60 average and Haupai Puha 87.56 average.
Three of the youth competitors managed to obtain points with Kayden Milne on 8, Jack Sheppard on 4 and Sam Laing on 4. This is going to be a closely contested position for the World Youth Championship.
DPNZ would just like to thank Winmau, Black Horse Hotel, PDC, Gregg Tong from Dart Connect, Kevin & Rob from the DPA for all your support and help. 2023 is looking like a another great year for darts in New Zealand.
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