TAHUNA IRWIN will make his William Hill World Darts Championship debut in December after winning the DartPlayers New Zealand Qualifier on Friday.
The 21-year-old talent narrowly missed out on a place in the World Championship last year when he was defeated in the DPA Oceanic Masters final by Bernie Smith.
However, he went all the way to win the DPNZ knockout in Invercargill on Friday as he became the latest international qualifier to seal an Alexandra Palace spot.
The 16-player qualifier initially saw players split into four groups of four, before the top two progressed to a second group stage.
Irwin defeated John Hurring and Paul Harper in the first group stage before losing out 4-3 to Haupai Puha, before overcoming Darren Herewini, Mark McGrath and Craig Ross in the second group stage.
He then saw off Mike Day 6-3 in the semi-finals, and claimed his World Championship place by seeing off Ross 7-2 in the final.
"I'm speechless," said Irwin afterwards. "It's massive for me."
Gisborne's Irwin also qualified to compete in August's Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King, earlier this week, where he will make his first appearance in front of the TV cameras.
The 2018/2019 William Hill World Darts Championship will take place from December 13-January 1 at Alexandra Palace in London. Click here for ticket information.
2018/2019 William Hill World Darts Championship
DartPlayers New Zealand Qualifier
Semi-Finals
Tahuna Irwin 6-3 Mike Day
Craig Ross 6-1 Haupai Puha
Final
Tahuna Irwin 7-2 Craig Ross