The first round of the 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters on Friday, August 16, was filled with excitement and powerful performances. Fans were treated to some top-tier darts action, and the stage is now set for a thrilling quarter-final lineup on Saturday, August 17.
Friday’s First Round Highlights
Peter Wright 6-0 Daniel Snookes
Peter Wright came out strong, delivering a dominant performance against Daniel Snookes. Wright’s precision and consistency left Snookes without a single leg, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the darts world.
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-3 Mark Cleaver
Dimitri Van den Bergh showcased his skills with a convincing win over Mark Cleaver. Van den Bergh’s sharp finishing made the difference, keeping Cleaver at bay throughout the match.
Michael Smith 6-3 Jeremy Fagg
Michael Smith continued his fine form with a solid victory over Jeremy Fagg. Smith’s ability to hit crucial doubles under pressure was on full display, earning him a well-deserved spot in the quarter-finals.
Luke Humphries 6-3 Kayden Milne
Luke Humphries also secured his quarter-final berth with a comfortable win over Kayden Milne. Humphries’ scoring power and composed finishing were too much for Milne to handle.
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Ben Robb
Gerwyn Price, known for his intensity and precision, overcame Ben Robb in a hard-fought match. Price’s ability to maintain his cool in crucial moments ensured his progression to the next round.
Rob Cross 6-5 Haupai Puha
In the most thrilling match of the day, Rob Cross edged out Haupai Puha in a nail-biting 6-5 encounter. Cross’s experience and poise in the deciding leg proved crucial as he narrowly secured his place in the quarter-finals.
Luke Littler 6-3 Jonny Tata
Luke Littler impressed once again with a solid performance against Jonny Tata. Littler’s consistent scoring and accuracy on the doubles highlighted his potential as a future star of the sport.
Damon Heta 6-1 Simon Whitlock
Damon Heta delivered a commanding performance against Simon Whitlock, winning 6-1. Heta’s aggressive style and relentless scoring left Whitlock with no answers.
Saturday’s Quarter-Finals Matchups
As the dust settles on the first round, the quarter-finals promise even more excitement. Here are the matchups:
- Luke Littler vs. Dimitri Van den Bergh
- Luke Humphries vs. Michael Smith
- Gerwyn Price vs. Peter Wright
- Rob Cross vs. Damon Heta
The winners of these matches will advance to the semi-finals, with the ultimate goal of claiming the 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters title. Will the top seeds prevail, or will we see an upset? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the tournament progresses!
