THE world's top darts stars are set to return to New Zealand in August for the third staging of the Auckland Darts Masters, in association with TAB and Burger King.
The Professional Darts Corporation event was introduced to huge acclaim in 2015, with Adrian Lewis' success at the Trusts Arena being followed last year by Gary Anderson's victory.
The 2017 tournament will kick off an Oceanic treble-header for the World Series of Darts in August, with the Auckland Darts Masters being held from August 11-13.
The event will be Phil Taylor's final competitive appearance in New Zealand, with the 16-time World Champion set to retire at the start of 2018 following his final year on the circuit.
Taylor will be one of the eight PDC stars who will make up half of the 16-player field in Auckland, with a series of Oceanic qualifiers from New Zealand and Australia also taking part in August's tournament.
"This is our third year in New Zealand and we're excited about seeing the Auckland Darts Masters continue to grow," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"The World Series of Darts has gone from strength to strength in recent years and this year we'll be returning to Las Vegas as well as visiting Dubai, China and Australia, but the reception we've received in New Zealand since introducing the Auckland Darts Masters has been incredible.
"With PDC tournaments broadcast live on Sky Sport throughout the year and the domestic circuit continuing to grow, especially with the emergence of Cody Harris, this is a hugely exciting time for the sport in New Zealand."
"The Auckland Darts Masters is the flagship event in New Zealand this year and it promises to be an event not to be missed!"
Tickets for the Auckland Darts Masters are now available through Ticketek at this link.
2017 Auckland Darts Masters, in association with TAB and Burger King
Trusts Arena, Auckland
Friday August 11 (7pm)
8x First Round
Table Ticket $84
Tiered Ticket $64
Saturday August 12 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals
Table Ticket $89
Tiered Ticket $69
Sunday August 13 (6pm)
Semi-Finals
Final
Table Ticket $94
Tiered Ticket $74
Season Tickets
Table Ticket $199.50
Tiered Ticket $152.70
Tickets may be subject to a payment processing fee and/or service charge. This event is strictly R18.
The full field of competitors will be confirmed in due course.