At the New Zealand Darts Masters 2024, the final eight players have been determined following an intense day of darts. With the winning parties advancing through to the quarterfinals with little difficulty for the most part. With the current Champion overcoming an early challenge marginally.

 

Wright back on track

In the opening match of the New Zealand Darts Masters 2024, Peter Wright’s dominating performance against Daniel Snookes was arguably the biggest surprise. The seasoned Snakebite proved to be too much for Snookes.

 

Although Peter Wright averaged virtually 22 more points than the native New Zealander, the lack of scoring prowess proved to be the crucial factor in his opponent’s lacklustre performance.

The former World Champion would sprint over the finish line. With a maximum along the way in legs three and six as well as two tons plus checkouts, including an incredible 121 in leg three. The World Number 12 put on an assured performance despite his recent struggles.

 

Dimitri dances through

The recent UK Open winner, Dimitri van den Bergh breezed past Mark Cleaver as he claimed his place in the quarterfinals of the New Zealand Darts Masters. The Belgian Number One, hit a 180 in each of the first two legs before producing a stunning 149 to give himself a two-leg lead.

Cleaver would reply with a break of throw, before giving up the next two legs, in which the Dream Maker’s incredible scoring power was evident once more.

Cleaver’s 112 finish in leg eight was a personal highlight, but instead of creating the momentum he had planned for, it served as a solace as van den Bergh ended the match in the next leg.

 

The World Cup Winning duo advance into next round of New Zealand Darts Masters 2024

Luke Humphries, the reigning World Champion, and Michael Smith, the former World Champion, both secured a spot in the final eight by defeating Jeremy Fagg and Kayden Milne, respectively, by six legs to three.

It was a mediocre showing for the Bully Boy, who averaged only 84.9 and missed an astounding 19 darts at double.

Jezza couldn’t take advantage of Smith’s wastefulness since he would miss 17 darts at a double himself.

Humphries demonstrated why he is currently ranked number one in the World in the other game stated above. He was more confident on the outer ring, recording a 46.15% checkout rate, and he limited his opponent to only six tries at a double, three of which he took.

It was undoubtedly an improvement, for the rising New Zealander, to his previous performance at the New Zealand Darts Masters, where he could only muster two legs against the Asp – Nathan Aspinall.

The 2023 New Zealander Darts Masters Champion through, but only just

In spite of his outstanding 2024 campaign thus far, Rob Cross managed to prevail over Haupai Puha. Though it was far from the classic Voltage we’ve been accustomed to in recent years, the defending New Zealand Darts Masters Champion got the job done.

From the outset, the two had a close match, combining for five maximums and averaging over ninety each. The first ten legs would be thrown and split between the two players, with a 5-5 score.

However, it would be the lone throw break in the crucial leg of the match and turn out to be the difference as Cross crawled across the finish line, shattering the hearts of the New Zealand faithful.

 

Elsewhere in the Opening Round

Gerwyn Price, the 2022 New Zealand Darts Masters Champion, appears to be back in the running after defeating seasoned New Zealand player Ben Robb six legs to three.

Luke Littler, the current Premier League winner, had a similar experience in which Jonny Tata was unable to switch off the Nuke. Littler also prevailed comprehensively, six-three.

Eventually, the veteran Simon Whitlock would find the Heat to be too intense. When he would comfortably lose six legs to one, despite two maximums. Damon Heta’s fifth leg was capped off with an unbelievable 132, before wrapping it with a 116 checkout.

 

2024 New Zealand Darts Masters Quarterfinals

Luke Littler v Dimitri Van den Bergh

Luke Humphries v Michael Smith

Gerwyn Price v Peter Wright

Rob Cross v Damon Heta