Kiwi Phillip Hazel has landed a place in December's PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Kiwi to make Ally Pally appearance after winning New Zealand title
Phillip Hazel landed a place in December's PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace after winning the Charter Clubs of New Zealand's Singles title.
The Kiwi has been in great form of late, having qualified for the Las Vegas Desert Classic last week, but now he will appear on darts' grandest stage of all.
Hazel came through a field of 210 hopefuls to eventually beat Bernie Smith in the final and earn a spot in the World Championship in December.
"I'm over the moon," said Hazel. "It's been a great year so far and can only get better.
"To qualify for in Las Vegas was the highlight of my career only to top that with a TV appearance against James Wade.
Championship
"But winning the New Zealand Championship title now gives me the opportunity to represent myself and New Zealand at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
"I am sure I will do New Zealand and myself proud. The experience I gained in Vegas will help me in the UK and I am looking forward to being at the world's most prestigious event."
Beaten finalist Smith hit a nine-darter during a high-quality tournament, but he could not get over Hazel at the final hurdle.
DartPlayers Australia chairman Kevin Berlyn added: "Phil has shown great ability over the past six months.
"Although he's a relative unknown in the PDC he showed great form in Las Vegas and he's a great example of the players being produced on the DPA and DartPlayers New Zealand circuit."
