Shocks and Perfection in Auckland
The World Series of Darts returned to New Zealand with a bang, as Simon Whitlock produced a moment of magic by hitting a nine-dart finish. The Australian’s perfect leg lit up the opening day’s play in Auckland, providing a memorable highlight for the local crowd. It was a notable achievement, reminiscent of darts’ most celebrated moments, including Paul Lim’s historic effort at the 1990 Embassy World Championship.
The tournament also delivered a significant upset in the first round. Ross ‘Smudger’ Smith was the victim of a stunning defeat at the hands of Adam Leek, a result which few would have predicted. Smith’s early exit opens up his quarter of the draw and will have upended the calculations of many following the best odds from bookmakers for the title. The event began after some of the players took in the local sights, with Damon Heta and Josh Rock undertaking a 192-metre SkyJump plunge before the action got underway.
Cross Backs Rock as Wade Praises Greaves
Rob Cross has offered his firm backing to Josh Rock, insisting the Northern Irishman will recover from a difficult debut Premier League campaign. Rock endured seven consecutive defeats in the roadshow event after a stellar 2025 that saw him reach two major semi-finals. Cross attributed the struggle to a combination of the short format and squandered chances on the doubles, but was unequivocal about Rock’s quality.
“If I’m being totally honest about Josh, he’s an incredible darts player,” Cross said. “He’s very talented and a big, big scorer. Sometimes his doubles let him down, and he knows that.”
Meanwhile, James Wade has made a strong statement on the state of the women’s game, declaring that Beau Greaves is “better than most men”. The multiple major winner also suggested that some other female players have received more media coverage than their performances have warranted, arguing that Greaves remains the clear standard-bearer.
In brief
- The Winmau Challenge Tour resumes in Milton Keynes this weekend, with Joe Hunt and Derek Coulson currently holding a clear lead at the top of the order of merit as players compete for tour cards and major qualification spots.
- Following his World Matchplay victory in July, Luke Littler is taking a well-earned holiday in the United States. The 19-year-old stated his need to “unwind and not think about darts” after a gruelling period on the circuit.
- Sheffield’s James Buckby is enjoying a fine run of form on the MODUS Super Series, having reached three consecutive weekly finals.
