DUTCH duo Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld are aiming to provide the knockout blow at the Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, after sharing their flight to New Zealand with boxer Joseph Parker.
Top heavyweight Parker was returning to his homeland following his bout with Dillian Whyte in the UK last weekend, and found two of the world's leading darts stars on the same flight.
Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld will be in action this weekend at the Trusts Arena as they begin the World Series of Darts treble-header Down Under.
Van Barneveld is a former Auckland Darts Masters finalist, having lost out in a thrilling final against Adrian Lewis three years ago in the inaugural event.
Very nice to meet you @joeboxerparker !! Looking forward showing you the darts in Auckland with your team pic.twitter.com/1u1KyxA7fE
— Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) July 31, 2018
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, is chasing his first Auckland Darts Masters triumph, as he bids to bounce back from his knockout blow against Jeffrey de Zwaan in the BetVictor World Matchplay recently.
On route to #auckland for the #worldseries having chat in plane with @joeboxerparker. Nice man. pic.twitter.com/wHmktnpVmy
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) July 31, 2018
Tickets for the Auckland Darts Masters - which will be held from August 3-5 at the Trusts Arena - are available through www.ticketek.co.nz.
Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King
Competing Players
PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
Oceanic Representatives: Cody Harris, Warren Parry, Haupai Puha, Tim Pusey, Tahuna Irwin, Mark McGrath, John Hurring, Ben Robb