2018 Auckland Darts Masters Day One

World Series of Darts

THE 2018 Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King, begins on Friday at the Trusts Arena.

Newcomer Irwin Aiming High

World Series of Darts

TAHUNA IRWIN has spoken of his ambitions as he prepares for his big-stage debut at the Auckland Darts Masters.

Robb's Auckland Debut As Cadby Misses Out

World Series of Darts

BEN ROBB will compete in the Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, following the withdrawal of Corey Cadby.

Dutch Duo Chase Knockout Blow!

World Series of Darts

DUTCH duo Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld are aiming to provide the knockout blow at the Auckland Darts Masters.

Whitlock Fired Up For World Series

World Series of Darts

SIMON WHITLOCK is in positive mood ahead of the this weekend's Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, which kicks off August's World Series of Darts treble-header Down Under.

Melbourne and Brisbane Fields Finalised

World Series of Darts

THE fields for the Melbourne Darts Masters and Brisbane Darts Masters have been finalised after Justin Thompson and James Bailey sealed qualification.

O'Donnell and Gardner Book World Series Places

World Series of Darts

RAY O'DONNELL and Barry Gardner secured qualification for the World Series of Darts events in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Mathers and Bonser Claim World Series Spots

Betfred World Matchplay

GORDON MATHERS and Mike Bonser secured qualification for next month's World Series of Darts events in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively.

Heta Secures Double World Series Qualification

World Series of Darts

AUSTRALIAN ace Damon Heta enjoyed a double success with qualification for the PDC World Series of Darts events in Melbourne and Brisbane next month.

Puha & Cleaver Seal World Series Spots

World Series of Darts

MARK CLEAVER and Haupai Puha have qualified for the World Series of Darts in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively.

Dimitri Van den Bergh completed a World Series of Darts double with glory in the Viaplay Dutch Darts Masters on Saturday, seeing off home favourite Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-2 in the final.

Van den Bergh had won his maiden World Series title a fortnight ago in the Nordic Darts Masters at Forum Copenhagen, and he doubled his tally in style with a dominant showing at the Ziggo Dome.

Having dropped just two legs in his first round win over Ron Meulenkamp on Friday, the Belgian averaged almost 99 in a 6-1 quarter-final romp against Jermaine Wattimena.

He then powered past UK Open champion Danny Noppert 7-2 in the semi-finals and opened up a 4-0 lead over Van Duijvenbode in the final to move half-way to victory.

The Dutchman hit back in leg five, but Van den Bergh finished 72 for a 14-darter and then pinned double 18 to move 6-1 up.

Van den Bergh saw Van Duijvenbode double his tally in leg eight, despite landing two 180s in the leg, but the Belgian wrapped up proceedings in emphatic style, firing in legs of 13 and 14 darts to prevail with a 104 average.

"It's incredible - I'm very proud," said Van den Bergh. "To only lose seven legs in the event is amazing.

"It's incredible and it's not expected. I don't know if I've broken records but I've got the trophy and that's what I came here for.

"I think I've done a great job in Copenhagen and here and I'm grateful to be invited to play in these World Series events.

"This is the top players in the world and I've won two out of two, so I want to take this into the World Matchplay next month now.

"I'm so happy because I keep achieving my dreams. I want to keep continuing this because it's an incredible feeling. I want to achieve more."

Having seen off four Dutch stars in as many games at the Ziggo Dome to silence the home crowd, he added: "I didn't only play Dirk and the class that Dirk has, but I've also had to play the massive support he had.

"I understand them and I respect Dirk so much. It wasn't hard to play the opponent, I had to be so strong in my mind."

Van Duijvenbode had produced a superb 72 finish in the deciding leg of his entertaining semi-final contest with James Wade, who had checked out a sublime 140 to lead 6-5 before seeing the Dutchman claim the final two legs.

The World Cup semi-finalist had also seen off Martijn Kleermaker 6-4 in the quarter-finals, having knocked out World Champion Peter Wright in the first round, but admitted after the final: "I was just not good enough.

"He played well but I think I could have done better than I did and I'm disappointed that I didn't play a good game.

"I felt great but I felt a little bit unlucky sometimes. It's amazing - I love playing for a crowd that is supporting you as much as they did.

"I'm disappointed I didn't win it, but I could have done worse this weekend. This is the last TV tournament before the [World] Matchplay and I feel ready. Hopefully I'll get another gear for that one - let's go!"

Dutchmen Maik Kuivenhoven and Vincent van der Voort also lost out in the last eight to Wade and Noppert respectively, with six of the eight players from the Netherlands having won through to the second day of action in Amsterdam.

The Viaplay Dutch Darts Masters was the month's third World Series of Darts event, following tournaments in New York and Copenhagen, before the focus now moves to an August treble-header Down Under.

The action begins with PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters on August 12-13, is followed by the PalmerBet NSW Darts Masters on August 19-20 before crossing to Hamilton for the NZ Darts Masters on August 26-27. For tickets, visit pdc.tv/tickets.

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