The 2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters gets underway in Auckland on Friday, as this year’s World Series of Darts double-header kicks off at the Spark Arena. The latest staging of the New Zealand Darts Masters will see a series of the sport’s biggest names going head-to-head with eight Oceanic representatives across two days of […]
The 2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters gets underway in Auckland on Friday, as this year’s World Series of Darts double-header kicks off at the Spark Arena.
The latest staging of the New Zealand Darts Masters will see a series of the sport’s biggest names going head-to-head with eight Oceanic representatives across two days of action on August 14-15, with 2022 champion Gerwyn Price among the headline acts.
Price will open his challenge for a second New Zealand Darts Masters crown against veteran Mark Cleaver, as the Welsh number one sets his sights on a fifth World Series of Darts title.
Top seed Gian van Veen will also be among the star attractions in Auckland, as the world number two prepares to make his highly-anticipated debut Down Under.
New Zealand’s World Cup star Jonny Tata awaits Van Veen in a fascinating opening round showdown, and the European Champion is confident of making his mark.
“Jonny is a dangerous opponent, but I know what to expect and I know what I have to produce to beat him,” declared the Dutch number one.
“I think everybody in this tournament will feel this is an opportunity to win a TV title, and I’m thinking the same.
“Especially coming here as the world number two, it’s a dream come true for me, and hopefully I can play well this week.
“The last few weeks have been going well, but I still haven’t picked up a title this year, so it would be nice to kickstart things by lifting the title.”
2022 runner-up Jonny Clayton also faces a home favourite in former Tour Card Holder Haupai Puha, while Ben Robb – the current leader on the DPNZ standings – faces Australian number one Damon Heta in a blockbuster Trans-Tasman clash.
Ten-time TV title winner James Wade marks his return to Oceanic soil against Kayden Milne, as third seed Stephen Bunting locks horns with Australian star Raymond Smith.
Josh Rock and Simon Whitlock go head-to-head for a second consecutive year on the World Series stage, while Ross Smith begins his maiden World Series campaign against Adam Leek.
Leek – who claimed his PDC Tour Card in January – will also make his World Series bow in Auckland, and he faces a tough test against Smith, a winner of three ranking titles in 2026.
“It’s been a great experience so far. I’m loving every minute of it,” insisted the former European Champion.
“I felt like the opportunity [to play on the World Series stage] may be passing, so I’m really grateful to be here and I just want to kick on now.
“My game is in a decent place. I’ve had a great start to the year, won three events, and I’m full of confidence.
“There’s no reason why I can’t go and win either of these events, but at the same time you have to keep your feet on the ground – there are so many great players here.”
Following Friday’s action, the 2026 New Zealand Darts Masters will conclude with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final during a bumper Saturday evening session at the Spark Arena.
Play gets underway from 1900 local time (0800 BST) on each day, with coverage broadcast live on Sky in New Zealand and Fox Sports in Australia, and through DAZN in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
UK fans can watch the action live on ITV4, with coverage also available on PDCTV in all global territories (excluding DACH & Poland).
2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters
August 14-15, Spark Arena, Auckland
Draw Bracket
(1) Gian van Veen v Jonny Tata
Jonny Clayton v Haupai Puha
(4) James Wade v Kayden Milne
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
(2) Gerwyn Price v Mark Cleaver
Damon Heta v Ben Robb
(3) Stephen Bunting v Raymond Smith
Ross Smith v Adam Leek
Schedule of Play
Friday August 14 (1900 NZST, 0800 BST)
Gerwyn Price v Mark Cleaver
Ross Smith v Adam Leek
James Wade v Kayden Milne
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
Gian van Veen v Jonny Tata
Jonny Clayton v Haupai Puha
Damon Heta v Ben Robb
Stephen Bunting v Raymond Smith
Best of 11 legs
Saturday August 15 (1900 NZST, 0800 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals
Best of 13 legs
Final
Best of 15 legs
All Saturday matches to be played in Draw Bracket order.