New Zealand Darts Masters: Schedule, format with Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, James Wade, Stephen 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
Thursday 13 August 2026 10:36, UK
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.
- Gian van Veen asks for help with bags stranded in Paris
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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.
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 Tata
Jonny Clayton v Haupai Puha
(4) James Wade v Kayden Milne
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
(2) Gerwyn Price v Mark Cleaver
Damon Heta v Ben Robb
(3) Stephen Bunting v Raymond Smith
Ross Smith v Adam Leek
Schedule of Play
Friday August 14 (08:00 BST)
Gerwyn Price v Mark Cleaver
Ross Smith v Adam Leek
James Wade v Kayden Milne
Josh Rock v Simon Whitlock
Gian van Veen v Jonny Tata
Jonny Clayton v Haupai Puha
Damon Heta v Ben Robb
Stephen Bunting v Raymond Smith
Best of 11 legs
Saturday August 15 (08:00 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals
Best of 13 legs
Final
Best of 15 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.
