Doubles for dough
The 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters total prize pot has increased by a whopping £40,000, meaning there is £100,000 up for grabs.
Last year, there was £60,000 available in prize money, with the winner taking home £20,000.
However, the 2025 edition winner will be scooping up £30,000 for his troubles.
Here is the full breakdown:
- Winner: £30,000
- Runner-up: £15,000
- Semi-finalists x2: £10,000
- Quarter-finalists x4: £5,000
- First round x8: £1,750
- Total: £100,000
Luk-ing good
Luke Littler has been in superb form of late – even for his standards.
The Nuke won his last NINE matches and has claimed the World Matchplay and Australian Darts Masters titles in the process.
And it would be an almighty shock if the world champion failed to extend his winning run this morning as he faces Cleaver, who has lost his last four.
Early risers
You may be wondering why we’re about to see some of the world’s best take to the oche this early in the morning.
Well, it’s actually almost 7pm in Auckland, where the event is being held.
ITV4’s broadcast will be on a delay, with their coverage starting at 7pm BST.
You can live stream the action as it happens in Auckland on ITVX or PDCTV, if you have a subscription.
Alternatively, you can stay right here for all the latest from Auckland.
Order of play
First Round (all times BST)
Best of 11 legs
Mike De Decker v Gordon Mathers – 8.10am
Josh Rock v John Hurring – 8.40am
Gerwyn Price v Jonny Tata – 9.10am
Damon Heta v Dean Reyland – 9.40am
Stephen Bunting v Ben Robb – 10.10am
Luke Humphries v Haupai Puha – 10.40am
Luke Littler v Mark Cleaver – 11.10am
Chris Dobey v Simon Whitlock – 11.40am
Good morning and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the New Zealand Darts Masters!
Luke Littler will feature in Auckland as he looks to claim the Oceanic double after last week’s triumph in Australia.
The Nuke gets his tournament underway against Aussie Mark Cleaver at around 11am this morning.
Littler has been in fine form of late and hasn’t tasted defeat since the start of June, when he lost in the semi-finals of the Poland Darts Masters to Stephen Bunting.
World No1 and defending champion Luke Humphries also features in Auckland as he begins his title defence against Haupai Puha.
The next two days in New Zealand promise to be thrilling and SunSport will bring you all the action right here.
