In a thrilling display of darts prowess, New Zealand’s dynamic duo Robb and Puha showcased their skills and talent at the fifth DPNZ double-header event held at the Kapi Mana Darts Association on September 7-8. With 55 players vying for victory, the stage was set for an exciting weekend of competition.
Puha, New Zealand’s number one player, dominated the round-robin phase of Event Nine with four impressive wins, including a remarkable 103.66 average in his crushing victory over Tyler Jones. His path to the final was paved with resounding wins over Nicole Regnaud, Jamie Roberts, and Daniel Snookes, culminating in a high-quality semi-final match against John Hurring. Puha’s performance was a sight to behold, with a sublime 167 finish and a 14-dart break sealing his victory and setting the stage for a showdown in the final against Tukina Weko.
The final proved to be a one-sided affair as Puha delivered a masterclass to secure a convincing 7-2 win over Weko. Racing to a 4-0 lead early on, Puha demonstrated his skill and precision with 13 and 14-dart holds in the closing stages, cementing his status as a top contender in the darts world.
The spotlight then shifted to Robb in Sunday’s Event Ten, where he faced off against Kayden Milne in a tense battle that ended in a hard-fought 7-5 victory for Robb. The match had significant implications for World Championship qualification, as both players fought tooth and nail for the win.
Robb’s journey to the final was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a comeback win over Craig Caldwell in the semi-finals. With two DPNZ ProTour titles already under his belt in 2024, Robb had his sights set on adding another to his collection. In a topsy-turvy final against Milne, Robb found himself in a tight spot as Milne mounted a strong comeback, showcasing his skills with 146 and 130 checkouts to level the score at five apiece. However, in a crucial 11th leg, Robb held his nerve to secure the win with a decisive 88 checkout, clinching his second title of the year.
Milne, who had dashed Puha’s hopes of a back-to-back title with a 6-3 victory in the semi-finals, put up a valiant fight in the final but ultimately fell short against Robb’s precision and skill. With his fifth DPNZ ProTour final appearance of the season, Milne proved himself as a formidable competitor in the world of darts.
The weekend’s events were a testament to the talent and determination of New Zealand’s darts players, as Robb and Puha showcased their prowess on the big stage, thrilling fans and competitors alike with their skill and precision. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these two formidable players as they continue to make their mark on the world of darts.
