Kiwi World Cup Pair Secure Auckland Darts Masters Spots

June 25 2018 – For Immediate Release

CODY HARRIS and Warren Parry will be joined by World Series of Darts debutants Haupai Puha and Tim Pusey in competing in August's Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King.

Top New Zealander Harris has made big strides over the past seven months since making his World Championship debut, having based himself in the UK to compete full-time on the PDC circuit.

He won a Challenge Tour event in May and recently represented his country for a third time at the World Cup of Darts, and the 32-year-old has now been invited to compete on home soil in Auckland from August 3-5.

"I'm back home for a while now and I can't wait to play in Auckland again," said Harris, who has played in all three years of the Trusts Arena event.

"Throwing myself into the deep end with the big boys has really helped me out, to play more consistent, and they're pushing me to play really well.

"I've always known that I was good enough, but winning games against the big boys has confirmed that I am good enough to be there and I'm loving every moment of it.

"I had to leave my family behind back home and I've missed them a lot, but if you want to be the best in the sport it's the place to be.

"A lot of people think that their countries are sitting on their shoulders but I picture the people in New Zealand behind me, giving me a shove and pushing me along. Their backing has been fantastic."

Harris' World Cup of Darts team-mate Parry has qualified to compete in the Auckland Darts Masters alongside Puha, who will be appearing on the TV stage for the first time at the Trusts Arena.

That trio will be joined by Australian qualifier Tim Pusey, who has come from the DPA World Series Order of Merit following the completion of their qualifying events.

A further three players will complete the field from the trio of Auckland Darts Masters Qualifiers being held on July 9-10 in Invercargill.

Pusey, who finished in second place on the rankings to the already-invited Corey Cadby, will also play in the Melbourne Darts Masters from August 10-12 and Brisbane Darts Masters from August 17-19.

The Perth-based thrower has never previously competed in a televised event, but has extensive experience on the DPA circuit in recent years.

Raymond Smith, meanwhile, will see his success so far in 2018 rewarded with spots in Melbourne and Brisbane - his home town - in August, as he takes to the big stage in his homeland for the first time.

The Queenslander currently tops the main DPA Order of Merit ahead of Cadby following his double success in Tasmania in June, and is a former qualifier for the Lakeside Championship.

The Auckland Darts Masters will be held from August 3-5 at the Trusts Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.co.nz

The Melbourne Darts Masters will be held from August 10-12 at the Hisense Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.

The Brisbane Darts Masters will be held from August 17-19 at the BCEC. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.

The World Series of Darts Finals will take place from November 2-4 at the Multiversum in Schwechat, Vienna, Austria. For tickets, visit www.pdc-europe.tv.

Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King

August 3-5, Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand

Competing Players

PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld

Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Cody Harris, Warren Parry, Haupai Puha, Tim Pusey, three Qualifiers (July 9-10, Invercargill)

Melbourne Darts Masters

August 10-12, Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Australia

Competing Players

PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld

Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Tim Pusey, Raymond Smith, DPNZ Qualifier (July 15, Invercargill), four Qualifiers (July 22-25, Warilla)

Brisbane Darts Masters

August 17-19, BCEC, Brisbane, Australia

Competing Players

PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld

Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Tim Pusey, Raymond Smith, DPNZ Qualifier (July 15, Invercargill), four Qualifiers (July 22-25, Warilla)

ENDS

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