The SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters reaches its climax on Saturday, wrapping up the penultimate stop of the 2026 World Series of Darts. Hosted at Auckland’s modern Spark Arena, the two‑day showdown brings together a balanced field of eight Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) elite players and eight top‑ranked regional competitors from New Zealand and the wider Oceania circuit. The tournament kicked off on Friday, August 14, and will culminate with a packed Saturday evening featuring the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the championship match. **Saturday, 15 August – Schedule (BST)** *Quarter‑Finals – Best of 11 legs* - Gian van Veen vs Jonny Clayton – 3‑6 - James Wade vs Josh Rock – (score pending) - Gerwyn Price vs Damon Heta – (score pending) - Raymond Smith vs Adam Leek – (score pending) *Semi‑Finals – Best of 13 legs* - (Match‑ups to be determined after quarter‑final results) *Final – Best of 15 legs* - (Championship match to follow the semi‑finals) All matches will be streamed live through the NOW platform, giving fans worldwide instant access to the high‑octane action.
In addition to the live coverage, NOW also offers a library of darts highlights, full‑match replays, and exclusive video content for those who want to relive the most dramatic finishes and clutch checkouts. **Friday, 14 August – Opening Night Results (Best of 11 legs)** - Gerwyn Price defeated Mark Cleaver 6‑1, showcasing his trademark precision and composure under pressure.
- Ross Smith edged out Adam Leek 6‑5 in a tightly contested battle that went down to the final leg. - James Wade delivered a dominant 6‑0 performance against Kayden Milne, reinforcing his status as a tournament favourite. - Josh Rock secured a 6‑4 win over veteran Simon Whitlock, proving his rising star status on the world stage. - Gian van Veen impressed the crowd with a 6‑1 victory over Jonny Tata, advancing confidently into the knockout rounds.
- Jonny Clayton survived a nail‑biting 6‑5 encounter with Haupai Puha, demonstrating his resilience in close matches. - Damon Heta overcame Ben Robb 6‑4, adding another win for the host nation’s representatives. - Stephen Bunting was handed a 2‑6 defeat by Raymond Smith, concluding his campaign early but providing several memorable moments.
These results set the stage for an exciting Saturday lineup, where the remaining eight competitors will vie for the prestigious title and a share of the prize fund. The quarter‑finals will see the top performers from Friday’s opening round clash in a series of best‑of‑11‑leg encounters, with the winners moving on to the best‑of‑13‑leg semi‑finals. The tournament’s climax, a best‑of‑15‑leg final, promises a marathon of high‑scoring visits, strategic play, and the occasional upset that darts fans love.
**How to Watch** Fans in the United Kingdom and Europe can tune in via Sky Sports, which will broadcast live coverage of the New Zealand Darts Masters throughout the weekend. For viewers outside the traditional broadcast region, the NOW streaming service provides a reliable alternative, offering both live play and on‑demand replays. Additionally, the event’s official social media channels will share real‑time highlights, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage, ensuring that even those who cannot watch the full matches stay connected to the drama.
**Related Darts Coverage** - *Latest darts highlights and video* – NOW’s curated highlights reel captures the most thrilling checkouts, highest 180s, and crowd‑pleasing moments from the tournament. - *When is darts live on Sky Sports?* – A handy guide for viewers looking to schedule their viewing of upcoming PDC events, including the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix.
- *Listen to the Love the Darts podcast* – A weekly audio show that dives deep into player performances, tournament analysis, and fan stories, featuring interviews with many of the competitors featured at the New Zealand Darts Masters. **Looking Ahead** Following the conclusion of the New Zealand Darts Masters, the PDC calendar moves forward to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 28 September to 4 October. Among the headline names, young talent Luke Littler will return to defend his title, adding another layer of intrigue to the Grand Prix lineup. As always, fans can stream the Grand Prix and other top‑tier darts action via NOW, keeping the sport accessible across multiple platforms.
The New Zealand Darts Masters has once again delivered a blend of world‑class skill, local enthusiasm, and unforgettable moments. Whether you are a die‑hard darts aficionado or a casual viewer, the tournament’s schedule, live streams, and supplemental content provide ample opportunity to engage with the sport’s finest players as they compete for glory on the Spark Arena stage.