New Zealand Darts Masters schedule: Van Veen, Price, Wade, Bunting in action

The schedule and order of play has been confirmed for the New Zealand Darts Masters with Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price involved; ​​​​​​​Darts returns to Sky Sports with the World Grand Prix live from September 28

Friday 14 August 2026 07:32, UK

Image:Gian van Veen is the highest ranked player in New Zealand

Gian van Veen will kick off his SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters campaign against Jonny Tata, as 2022 champion Gerwyn Price takes on Mark Cleaver.

The year's penultimate World Series of Darts event will take place at the Spark Arena, as eight PDC superstars take on eight regional representatives on August 14-15.

World No 2 Van Veen will be the highest-ranked player in action Down Under, and the Dutchman will play New Zealand's World Cup star Tata in an intriguing quarter-final tie. It comes after he took to social media to ask for help with his bags stuck in Paris ahead of the tournament.

Van Veen's bags are set to arrive in New Zealand on Thursday ahead of the tournament beginning on Friday.

Friday's opening round will see the PDC superstars go head-to-head with their Oceanic counterparts for a place at Finals Day and former finalist Jonny Clayton begins his title bid against home favourite Haupai Puha.

Ten-time TV title winner James Wade marks his return to Oceania against Kayden Milne, while Northern Ireland's No 1 Josh Rock and Australian stalwart Simon Whitlock renew their rivalry on the World Series stage.

Elsewhere, third seed Stephen Bunting opens his challenge against the returning Raymond Smith, with Ross Smith set to meet Tour Card Holder Adam Leek in a battle of the debutants.

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Meanwhile, Damon Heta and Ben Robb lock horns in Auckland.

Following Friday's opening night, the 2026 New Zealand Darts Masters will conclude with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final during a bumper Saturday evening session at the Spark Arena.

2026 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters

Draw Bracket

(1) Gian van Veen v Jonny TataJonny Clayton v Haupai Puha(4) James Wade v Kayden MilneJosh Rock v Simon Whitlock(2) Gerwyn Price v Mark CleaverDamon Heta v Ben Robb(3) Stephen Bunting v Raymond SmithRoss Smith v Adam Leek

Schedule of Play

Friday August 14 (08:00 BST)

Gerwyn Price v Mark CleaverRoss Smith v Adam LeekJames Wade v Kayden MilneJosh Rock v Simon WhitlockGian van Veen v Jonny TataJonny Clayton v Haupai PuhaDamon Heta v Ben RobbStephen Bunting v Raymond SmithBest of 11 legs

Saturday August 15 (08:00 BST)

Quarter-FinalsBest of 11 legs

Semi-FinalsBest of 13 legs

Darts returns to Sky Sports with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix live from September 28 to October 4, where Luke Littler will be out to defend the title. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

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