GARY ANDERSON won his second successive World Series of Darts title with a thrilling performance as he overcame reigning champion Adrian Lewis 11-7 in the final of the 2016 Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King.
World Champion Anderson had won last month's Dubai Darts Masters title and claimed his first win in New Zealand in style as he checked out 50 percent of his darts at a double in both the semi-finals on Sunday evening.
The Scot followed up his earlier wins over New Zealand's Bernie Smith and world number five Peter Wright with a stunning 11-7 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld, with his 111.37 average being the second best in World Series history to accompany eight 180s.
He then produced another scintillating display to thrill the Trusts Arena crowd and take the title in the second Auckland Darts Masters, landing another eight 180s as he punished Lewis' missed doubles to take the title.
Lewis held the early advantage as the pair shared the opening six legs, but Anderson stepped in following two misses from his rival in the seventh to finish 68 on double ten to break for the first time.
He also took out tops to open up a two-leg lead, with Lewis finishing 121 on the bull to respond only to see Anderson win the next two - despite two 180s from the reigning champion - to lead 7-4.
Lewis followed a third-dart double nine with a 150 checkout as he cut the gap to one leg, but Anderson crucially took the 14th leg with a brilliant 11-darter, hitting six perfect darts of two 180s, and then finished 70 in the next to move 9-6 up.
Lewis again responded to take the 16th, but a miss at double 12 for a 144 checkout in the next allowed Anderson in to take out 86 on the bull for a 10-7 lead, and his eight 180 of the contest helped to set up double ten as he secured the title.
"I'm absolutely delighted and I enjoyed this week," said Anderson. "Everybody played well and there's been some great darts.
"Barney hit me with everything in the first four legs of the semi-final but I got a leg and when it was 4-3 it was a different game. A few years ago I'd have probably got beaten but now I've got a bit of fight in me.
"Adrian has played brilliantly too. He was great against Phil Taylor and he's a very good friend of mine, and up on stage we try to have some battles - and the 180s and 140s and doubles came together tonight. Adrian missed a few of the big checkouts but that's darts."
Anderson added: "It's been absolutely brilliant and the fans have been fantastic. I loved it in New Zealand last year and again this time."
Lewis had won through to his second successive World Series of Darts final with a heavy-scoring 11-9 victory over James Wade, firing in a dozen maximums before coming from 7-6 down to claim five of the final seven legs.
"I thought it was a great final and I'm proud of myself," said Lewis. "Gary took out a few great finishes on the bull and so on, and deserved to win it - he showed why he's a back-to-back World Champion.
"I tried my best but it wasn't quite enough tonight. I missed a few finishes myself and it could have been a different game if they'd gone in.
"Everybody played well and it was a great tournament, and I think everybody's happy with their performance. Last year I lost in the final in Sydney and then won this one, so I've lost in the final here and hopefully I can take my form to Shanghai."
Wade had performed wonderfully in Saturday's quarter-final win over world number one van Gerwen, but was overpowered by Lewis' 12 maximums in their semi-final as he missed out on reaching a second World Series of Darts final.
Van Barneveld, meanwhile, missed out on reaching the final in Auckland for a second successive year, despite landing six 180s and achieving a 104.85 average in his tie with Anderson.
The high standard of darts throughout the event saw a total of 108 maximums landed during the 15 matches - activating a special offer from sponsors Burger King once the total passed 80 which will see $2 Cheeseburgers and $3 Whoppers available across New Zealand from Monday June 20-Friday June 24 between specified times.
The PDC World Series of Darts continues next weekend with the inaugural 16-player Shanghai Darts Masters on June 25-26 at the Pullman Hotel Shanghai South.
Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King Sunday June 19 Semi-Finals Gary Anderson 11-7 Raymond van Barneveld James Wade 9-11 Adrian Lewis Best of 21 legs
Final Gary Anderson 11-7 Adrian Lewis Best of 21 legs
MATCH INFORMATION SEMI-FINALS Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 - Anderson misses the bull to finish 161, and van Barneveld follows three 140s with an 81 finish on double 12 for an 11-darter to break throw immediately. 0-2 - Double 16 sees van Barneveld move two legs up. 0-3 - Anderson opens with 140 and 180, but van Barneveld replies with a maximum before finishing 121 on double 14 for another break of throw. 0-4 - van Barneveld continues his impeccable finishing by taking out 64 on double eight to win a fourth straight leg. 1-4 - Anderson fires in a 180 before landing double six to win his first leg of the contest with a 13-darter. 2-4 - Anderson scores 140, 180 and 145 before pinning double 18 for a superb ten-darter. 3-4 - A superb leg sees both players trade 180s before van Barneveld leaves 36 after nine darts - only to se Anderson take out 90 on double 15 for an 11-darter. 4-4 - Anderson fires in another maximum before punishing one miss from van Barneveld, at double 16, by taking out tops for a 13-darter to level. 5-4 - Double two sees Anderson win a fifth straight leg to move ahead for the first time in a high-quality contest. 5-5 - van Barneveld lands a 180 before hitting a third-dart double ten to level by winning his first leg in six. 6-5 - van Barneveld's maximum is followed by a 174 score from Anderson, who takes out double 12 to regain the lead. 7-5 - Anderson opens with 180 and 140 before finishing 60 on tops to break throw and move two legs clear. 7-6 - van Barneveld breaks back by finishing 81 on double 13. 8-6 - Both players land 180s before Anderson pins double 12 again for a 13-dart leg. 9-6 - The World Champion opens with yet another 180 before finishing tops for an 11-darter to open up a three-leg lead. 9-7 - van Barneveld's 180 is followed by tops as he hits back. 10-7 - van Barneveld fires in a 177, but can only watch on as Anderson takes out double four to move a leg away from the final. 11-7 - Anderson misses match darts across three visits as the tension rises, but van Barneveld also spurns three opportunities to keep the game alive before the Scot returns on double two to finally book his spot in the final. Anderson ends the game with a 111.37 average to van Barneveld's 104.85, while the combined 14 180s - eight from Anderson and six from van Barneveld - took the tournament's tally to 82, activating a Burger King special offer across New Zealand once the total passed 80.
James Wade v Adrian Lewis 0-1 - Lewis makes a sensational start, taking out 149 for a break of throw. 0-2 - Lewis wires the bullseye for a 161 finish, but returns to land double eight to move two legs up. 1-2 - Wade initially misses three darts at tops, with Lewis hitting a 180 in vain as he watches his rival return on double ten. 2-2 - Three missed doubles from Lewis allow Wade in on double ten to level the game. 2-3 - Lewis lands double eight to edge back ahead with a break of throw. 2-4 - Wade fires in a 180, but Lewis hits tops to move himself two legs clear. 2-5 - Lewis hits a maximum of his own before scrambling home double three to win a third successive leg. 3-5 - Lewis misses his chance to move four legs clear and gives a reprieve to Wade, who returns on double ten to win his first leg in four. 4-5 - Another double ten finish sees Wade cut the gap to one leg. 5-5 - Wade finishes 71 on tops to level the contest. 6-5 - Wade claims a fourth successive leg, with Lewis landing a 180 but being punished for failing to finish the leg as the left-hander posts tops. 6-6 - Lewis fires in two 180s in a 12-darter as double 12 sees him hit back to level. 7-6 - Lewis posts his seventh 180 to leave 24, but misses double 12, six and three to allow Wade back in on double ten to edge back ahead. 7-7 - Lewis hits another maximum before double 19 sees him square the match once more. 8-7 - Another double ten finish from Wade sees him regain the lead. 8-8 - Lewis' ninth 180 gives him breathing space before he lands double 18 at the fifth time of asking to tie the contest. 8-9 - Lewis fires in his tenth maximum before both players miss doubles in two visits, before the reigning champion finally lands double two to break throw and regain the lead. 8-10 - Lewis produces another 180 - his eighth in as many legs - before finishing 52 on double ten to move a leg away from the final. 9-10 - Lewis misses one match dart, at double 11 for a 124 finish, and Wade holds his nerve with a 118 checkout on double 19 to keep his hopes alive. 9-11 - Lewis completes a dozen 180s as he is first to a finish, but he suffers further jitters on the doubles before three misses from Wade, at double ten, allow him back on double five to seal his spot in the decider. Lewis ends the tie with 12 maximums and an average of 100.28, despite missing 31 doubles during the contest as he moves into his second successive Auckland Darts Masters final.
FINAL Gary Anderson v Adrian Lewis 0-1 - Lewis kicks off the final with a 177 score before landing tops to claim the opening leg. 1-1 - Anderson initially misses the bull for a 170 finish and two further doubles to win the leg, with a 162 score from Lewis coming too late as the Scot returns on double three. 1-2 - Anderson fires in a 180, but Lewis takes out 81 on double six for a 12-darter to regain the lead. 2-2 - Anderson misses double 16 to finish 149, but returns to take the leg at the second time of asking. 2-3 - Lewis receives a let-off for three misses at double 18 when Anderson is unable to land double eight and four, allowing his rival back in on double nine. 3-3 - The roles are reversed as Lewis misses double 18 for a 156 finish to break throw, and Anderson steps in on tops to level once again. 4-3 - Anderson lands a maximum, and when Lewis misses two further doubles, at double 12 and six, the World Champion finishes 68 on double ten to break throw and move ahead for the first time. 5-3 - Double top sees Anderson claim a third successive leg as he moves two clear of the reigning champion. 5-4 - The pair trade 180s before Lewis finishes a superb 121 checkout on the bull to cut the gap to one leg. 6-4 - Lewis lands another maximum, only to see Anderson finish 65 on double four to regain his cushion. 7-4 - Lewis hits his third 180 in as many legs, but a miss at tops for a 110 checkout allows Anderson in on double 16 to move three legs clear with a break of throw. 7-5 - Lewis breaks back with a third-dart double nine under pressure, with Anderson having hit a 180 to leave 20. 7-6 - Lewis produces a superb 150 checkout to respond. 8-6 - Anderson kicks off the leg with six perfect darts of two 180s, and though he is unable to complete a nine-darter, the Scot finishes double four for an 11-darter to regain his cushion. 9-6 - Both players land 180s before Anderson takes out 70 on double five to break throw again and move three legs clear once more. 9-7 - The pair each miss doubles in two visits before Lewis' double one sees him respond. 10-7 - Lewis misses double 12 to take out 144, and Anderson finishes 86 on the bull to move a leg away from the title. 11-7 - Anderson hits his eighth 180 of the final before landing double top to secure a second successive World Series of Darts title.
2016 World Series of Darts Rankings 24 Gary Anderson 11 Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis 8 Phil Taylor, James Wade, Dave Chisnall, Raymond van Barneveld 6 Peter Wright 1 Clinton Bridge, Cody Harris, Damon Heta, Stuart Leach, Ken Moir, Warren Parry, Bernie Smith, Rob Szabo Following Auckland Darts Masters
BRILLIANT LEWIS DENIES TAYLOR IN AUCKLAND ADRIAN LEWIS remains on course to win a second successive title at the Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King, after claiming a remarkable 10-9 win over Phil Taylor as James Wade, Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld joined the reigning champion in the semi-finals. Lewis had edged out Taylor in a classic semi-final on his way to the inaugural title in New Zealand last August, and claimed victory in another game of the highest quality as they met at the last eight stage this time around. The opening to the contest set the tone as Taylor kicked off with 177 and 180 and Lewis also added a maximum in an 11-darter to lead, only to see the 16-time World Champion level with the aid of another 180 and a 122 bull finish. Taylor also hit a ten-darter in the fourth leg, but Lewis won the next three - including a 103 finish to break - as he took a 5-2 advantage. Taylor cut the gap to 7-6 with a 102 checkout, but crucially missed one dart to level, at double 16, as Lewis fired in a superb 124 bull finish and then landed tops to move 9-6 up and to the brink of victory. Taylor, though, produced legs of 13, 13 and 12 darts, the latter featuring his ninth 180 and a 130 checkout, as he forced a decider, but Lewis held the advantage of throw and landed double top at the fourth time of asking to finally seal a memorable win. "It was a great game and it's fantastic to win," said Lewis, who had partnered Taylor to victory in the World Cup of Darts a fortnight ago. "It was a brilliant match - Phil seemed to be hitting 180s every time I looked up and it was treble after treble for him. He was firing on all cylinders and it's great to see that because I look up to him and in my eyes he's still the best in the world. "But in that last leg I had the throw and started well. It got a little bit nervy so I'm happy to get over the line. I had a few slack darts and let him back in when I got that lead, so I'll want to tighten up on that." Lewis will now meet Wade in the semi-finals on Sunday night at the Trusts Arena, after the left-hander produced an outstanding performance to defeat world number one Michael van Gerwen 10-6 in a game where both players averaged over 107. Van Gerwen hit 180s in each of the opening two legs, only to see Wade win both as he landed a maximum and a 130 bullseye finish, with the Dutchman then taking out 110 to get off the mark only to see the left-hander finish 84 and 78 as he moved 4-1 up. Van Gerwen raised his game with two ten-darters in the next three legs, and a 128 checkout for a 12-darter cut the gap to 5-4 - but Wade crucially twice denied the world number one a chance to level by hitting a pair of 11-darters to move 7-5 up. Wade then traded 180s with van Gerwen as another 11-dart finish was followed by a 14-darter to leave him 9-5 up, and though the Dutchman replied in leg 15, he was unable to halt the former Perth Darts Masters runner-up's charge into the semi-finals. "I'm really happy to beat the world number one, but I believe I put him in a position where he had no answer," said Wade. "I didn't let him do what he can do. "I hit a few finishes at the right times and the 140s and 180s - that's always in the locker but I don't show it often enough. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow and I'm sure Adrian knows that he's got a game on his hands. We came through at the same time in darts and we've got a great bond, so it will be 'game on' when we get on stage." World Champion Gary Anderson turned on the style with a 104 average as he overcame fellow Scot Peter Wright 10-6 to continue his bid to win a second successive World Series of Darts event after last month's Dubai Darts Masters triumph. Although Wright led 2-1 and 3-2 in the early stages, Anderson followed up an earlier 11-darter and 121 bull finish with a five-leg burst to move 7-3 up, hitting three 14-darters and completing a 12-darter on the bull. Wright hit back brilliantly with a 156 finish as he cut the gap to 7-6, but Anderson clinically took out 121 to halt the fightback before checking out 96 for an 11-darter and tops for a 13-dart leg to complete an impressive win. "I'm really pleased," said Anderson. "I started off well but went to sleep on the doubles - I was scoring well and the doubles came good at the end. "I'm happy with this win - I played well last night and played okay tonight but it's a different day tomorrow and hopefully it comes together. Barney's playing well so I know what I've got to do and I'm looking forward to it." Van Barneveld, the 2015 runner-up, continued his impressive run in Auckland as he followed up Friday's win over New Zealand number one Cody Harris with a 101 average as he overcame Dave Chisnall 10-5 to set up a semi-final with Anderson. The Dutchman broke in the game's opening leg and pulled clear in mid-game with a four-leg burst to move from 5-4 up to 9-4, with a 12-darter from Chisnall seeing him respond before van Barneveld hit a fourth 180 and a 96 finish as he sealed the win. "Last year was great getting to the final and I'd love to do even better and win tomorrow, but it will be hard because this is the best players in the world," said van Barneveld. "My darts are going fantastic, the trebles and doubles are going well. It's going well for me so far, I'm feeling confident and energised and I know what I can do." Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King Saturday June 18 Quarter-Finals Dave Chisnall 5-10 Raymond van Barneveld Gary Anderson 10-6 Peter Wright Phil Taylor 9-10 Adrian Lewis Michael van Gerwen 6-10 James Wade Best of 19 legs Sunday June 19 (7pm) Semi-Finals Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld James Wade v Adrian Lewis Best of 21 legs Final Anderson/van Barneveld v Wade/Lewis Best of 21 legs MATCH INFORMATION Dave Chisnall v Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 - van Barneveld takes out double 16 for a 14-darter to break throw immediately. 0-2 - Both players land 189s before the Dutchman pins double 18 to move two legs up. 1-2 - van Barneveld misses double seven to open up a three-leg lead, and Chisnall hits back on double ten. 1-3 - van Barneveld threatens a nine-darter by opening with two 180s, and after Chisnall lands a maximum in reply the Dutchman is unable to complete a perfect leg before returning to finish 76 for an 11-darter. 2-3 - Chisnall finishes 96 on double eight to cut the gap to one leg. 2-4 - Chisnall fires in another 180, but van Barneveld's third-dart double four sees him respond. 3-4 - Chisnall cuts the gap once more through tops. 3-5 - Double 16 restores van Barneveld's cushion. 4-5 - Chisnall takes out 74 on double 16 to hit back. 4-6 - van Barneveld misses the bull for a maximum 170 checkout, but returns on double eight to hold throw. 4-7 - The 2015 finalist secures the second break of throw in the match by finishing double 12 for a 13-darter. 4-8 - van Barneveld finishes 76 in two darts to extend his lead to four legs. 4-9 - Chisnall is punished for missing three darts at double top, ten and five as van Barneveld takes out 64 on double four to move a leg away from the win. 5-9 - Chisnall wins his first leg in five with a 12-darter, hitting three 140s before finishing 81 on double 16 to break throw. 5-10 - van Barneveld opens with a 180, and when Chisnall misses tops to take out 101, the Dutchman finishes 96 on double eight to move into the last four, averaging 101 in the process. Gary Anderson v Peter Wright 1-0 - The World Champion lands a 180 as he claims the opening leg with a fine 11-darter. 1-1 - Anderson misses double eight and four to move two legs up, and Wright finishes 86 in two darts on double 16 to level in 14 darts. 1-2 - Three misses from Anderson allow Wright in on double five to move ahead. 2-2 - Anderson finishes 122 on the bull to hit back and level with a 12-darter. 2-3 - Wright finishes 76 as he edges back in front. 3-3 - Anderson opens with two 180s, and though he is unable to complete the perfect leg he returns to land double ten to square the game. 4-3 - Anderson breaks throw by landing tops to regain the lead. 5-3 - Anderson fires in a 180 and double ten to win a third successive leg. 6-3 - Wright fires in his first maximum to leave 40, but misses three darts at tops to allow Anderson in to finish 72 on double 12 to extend his advantage. 7-3 - Anderson finishes 92 on the bull to move four legs clear. 7-4 - Wright hits back by winning his first leg in six in brilliant fashion, taking out 156 for a 12-darter. 7-5 - Double ten sees Wright claim a second successive leg. 7-6 - Wright's revival continues with a third straight leg as he finishes 62 on double 16. 8-6 - The pair trade 180s before Anderson finishes 121 on double 14 to halt his rival's fightback. 9-6 - Anderson takes out 96 on double 18 to move a leg away from the win with an 11-dart finish. 10-6 - Double top sees Anderson seal an impressive win, averaging 104 as he sets up a semi-final against Raymond van Barneveld. Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis 0-1 - The game kicks off in sensational fashion, with Lewis's 140 followed by a 177 from Taylor before the pair trade 180s - with Taylor missing out on a possible nine-darter on the eighth dart before Lewis returns to finish 81 for an 11-darter to claim the opener. 1-1 - Taylor lands another 180, with Lewis missing the bull to finish 126 before Taylor steps in to finish 122 on the middle double to level. 1-2 - The pair trade 180s before Lewis lands a third-dart double eight to edge back in front. 2-2 - The maximums continue to fly in as both hit further 180s, with Taylor also scoring 140 and 165 before hitting double eight for a brilliant ten-dart finish. 2-3 - Lewis opens with yet another 180 before finishing on tops to edge back in front. 2-4 - Lewis breaks throw with a superb 103 checkout to open up a two-leg cushion. 2-5 - Lewis misses tops for a 120 finish, but returns to land double ten as he wins a third straight leg. 3-5 - Taylor kicks off with a 180 before landing double eight - at the fourth attempt - to hit back. 3-6 - Lewis holds his nerve to take out 94 on double six to regain a three-leg lead. 4-6 - Taylor finishes 22 as he wins a fourth leg. 4-7 - Lewis opens with 140 and 177 before hitting double ten to edge away. 5-7 - Taylor lands another 177 as he responds. 6-7 - Taylor breaks throw by finishing 102 on double 16. 6-8 - Both players land 180s once again, with Taylor missing double 16 to finish 106 and level before Lewis takes out 124 on the bull to move two legs away from the semis. 6-9 - Double top from Lewis puts him to the brink of victory. 7-9 - Taylor fires in a 180, his eighth, before hitting double 16 for a 13-darter to stay in the hunt. 8-9 - Taylor breaks throw on double 16 to land another 13-dart finish, maintaining the pressure on his rival. 9-9 - Taylor takes the game into a decider, hitting a 180 and taking out 130 on double eight for a 12-dart leg. 9-10 - Lewis is first to a finish before missing a dart at tops, with Taylor unable to take out 167 to allow the reigning champion back in to finally land tops at the fourth time of asking to move into the last four. Michael van Gerwen v James Wade 0-1 - The pair trade 180s before van Gerwen misses double 18 for a 116 finish, allowing Wade in on double ten to break throw immediately. 0-2 - van Gerwen opens with another 180, but Wade takes out 130 on the bull to move two legs up. 1-2 - van Gerwen finishes 110 on double 16 to get off the mark. 1-3 - van Gerwen lands his third 180, but Wade finishes 84 to regain his cushion. 1-4 - Wade breaks throw for a second time by finishing 78 on tops to move three legs clear. 2-4 - van Gerwen produces a stunning ten-dart leg which included one bounce-out, scoring 180, 120 and 177 before landing double 12. 2-5 - Wade hits a superb 168 score to leave tops as he restores his cushion. 3-5 - van Gerwen hits a second ten-dart finish of the game as double 18 sees him respond. 4-5 - The pair open with 180s before van Gerwen takes out 128 on double ten for a 12-darter to cut the gap to one leg. 4-6 - Wade denies his rival a chance to level by opening with another maximum and then taking out 98 for an 11-darter. 5-6 - van Gerwen lands two 180s in the leg as double 18 again sees the gap cut to one. 5-7 - Both players hit maximums once again, as Wade fires in another 11-darter to edge away from his rival. 5-8 - Wade defies an opening 180 from van Gerwen with a maximum of his own before taking out 81 to move three legs clear. 5-9 - Double seven moves Wade a leg away from victory with his third in a row. 6-9 - van Gerwen lands double 16 to keep his hopes alive. 6-10 - Five missed doubles from the Dutchman are punished as Wade seals victory with a third-dart double ten, with both players averaging over 107 and van Gerwen hitting ten 180s in defeat, seeing the victor land six maximums and 62 percent of his darts at a double.
BIG GUNS TURN ON THE STYLE IN AUCKLAND DARTS MASTERS OPENERS GARY ANDERSON and Phil Taylor turned on the style with 106 averages in first round victories at the Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King, as the eight Oceanic representatives all suffered first round defeats at the Trusts Arena on Friday. World Champion Anderson overcame New Zealand's Bernie Smith 6-2 as he produced the highest average of the opening day of the PDC World Series of Darts event. The Scot took the opening three legs without reply before taking out finishes of 106 and 94 as he defeated the qualifier from Christchurch, who was making his televised debut. "I was really pleased and I'm over the moon with the way the darts went," said Anderson. "I saw Bernie play a few years ago and I know he can play good darts, but I finished well and I didn't give him many chances." Taylor, meanwhile, missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish during his ruthless 6-0 demolition of Wellington's Rob Szabo, who missed four darts at doubles in the opening two legs before seeing the 16-time World Champion hit his stride. Taylor ended the game with an average of 106, and said: "Rob said to me beforehand that he wasn't nervous and he put me under pressure - I was nervous at the start. "I was a bit slow at the start but it came good. I missed the double 12 for a nine-darter in Austria last weekend, but my form is picking up and my doubles are going in, and I can't wait for tomorrow now." Taylor now meets reigning Auckland Darts Masters champion Adrian Lewis in Saturday's quarter-finals, after the Stoke ace also enjoyed a 6-0 whitewash in his first round tie against qualifier Stuart Leach. Lewis set the tone for the win with a 132 bull finish in the opening leg, and said: "He scored really well but it was a good, solid performance from me and I'm glad I got the win. "It brings back good memories and it's brilliant being back here. I was a little bit iffy tonight but I got through and I'll get ready for the quarter-finals now." World number one Michael van Gerwen was forced to work hard before he eventually overcame Australian qualifier Damon Heta 6-3, hitting six 180s and topping a 100 average. The Perth thrower, who won last month's DPA Australian Singles championship to earn his spot in Auckland, shared the opening six legs with the Dutchman, who then landed four 180s in the next three legs as he ended his rival's challenge in clinical fashion. "He started off well but I think I did really well," said van Gerwen. "He made it difficult for me and hit some good shots but I did what I had to do in the end. "I think I hit some good darts when I needed to at the end. It gives me confidence that I played so well at the end of the game." Van Gerwen now meets James Wade in the quarter-finals, after the left-hander produced some outstanding finishing in his 6-2 win over Auckland-based qualifier Ken Moir. Wade hit finishes of 100, 102 and 96 as he took a 5-2 lead with five doubles from as many attempts, with 61-year-old sheet metal worker Moir finishing 120 and 64 to respond before the two-time World Grand Prix champion overcame three misses in the eighth leg to seal victory on double five. "It was a hard game because I was up against a local lad who's probably practised for a month for this and it was a big night for him," said Wade. "It's a no-win situation and I'd have rather played Adrian Lewis because you don't know what to expect. Dave Chisnall breathed a sigh of relief following his 6-4 comeback win over Australia's Clinton Bridge, who had knocked out Raymond van Barneveld in the 2013 Sydney Darts Masters and threatened another upset when he took a 4-3 lead over the world number nine. Chisnall, though, levelled with a superb 14-dart finish in leg eight, posted double 18 to move ahead and then sealed victory in style with an 11-darter as he moved through to the last eight. "I got through that one and that's what matters, but he played well," said Chisnall. "Sometimes you get games like that and I'm just glad I won. I felt great in practice and it didn't happen on stage, but it will be a different game on Saturday." Chisnall now meets Raymond van Barneveld, who overcame the challenge of Auckland's Cody Harris, the DPNZ number one, with a 6-2 win. The 2015 Auckland Darts Masters finalist was in dominant mood as he won the opening five legs without reply, hitting an 11-darter in the process, and though the home favourite hit back with two legs, a 72 finish moved the Dutchman into the quarter-finals. "I was really focused for this game because I saw Cody in the World Cup and he played really well, and I learned my lessons from losing to qualifiers in Sydney in 2013 and 2014," said van Barneveld. "I knew I had to play really well and that was a good performance." Peter Wright was the other first round winner, as he took five successive legs in his 6-1 win over experienced New Zealander Warren Parry. "Warren's beaten many great players in the past and I knew I had a hard draw, especially in his home country, but I'm fortunate that he didn't play like he can," said Wright. "I can improve and I'll get better. "Everyone's a little bit nervous because you don't want to go out in the first round over the short distance, and when you get into the longer distance everyone will settle down and the averages will go up." Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King Friday June 17 First Round James Wade 6-2 Ken Moir Adrian Lewis 6-0 Stuart Leach Peter Wright 6-1 Warren Parry Raymond van Barneveld 6-2 Cody Harris Dave Chisnall 6-4 Clinton Bridge Phil Taylor 6-0 Rob Szabo Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Damon Heta Gary Anderson 6-2 Bernie Smith Best of 11 legs Saturday June 18 (7pm) Quarter-Finals Dave Chisnall v Raymond van Barneveld Gary Anderson v Peter Wright Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis Michael van Gerwen Best of 19 legs MATCH INFORMATION James Wade v Ken Moir 1-0 - Wade finishes 100 with two double tops to win the opening leg. 2-0 - Wade takes out 62 on double ten to extend his advantage. 2-1 - Moir thrills the home crowd with a 120 checkout to hit back. 3-1 - Wade responds with a break of throw by taking out 102 to continue the high finishing. 3-2 - Moir hits the first 180 of the tournament and takes out 64 on tops to claim his second leg - neither player has yet to miss a dart at a double. 4-2 - Wade's outstanding finishing continues as he takes out 96 on double 18 to restore his two-leg cushion. 5-2 - Wade's perfect checkout ratio is maintained as he finishes 55 on tops, moving himself a leg away from victory. 6-2 - Wade misses three match darts to see his perfect doubling record ended, but Moir is unable to land tops when needing 118 to allow the left-hander back in on double five for the win. Adrian Lewis v Stuart Leach 1-0 - Lewis takes out 132 on the bull to claim the opening leg. 2-0 - The reigning champion doubles his lead by finishing 60 on tops. 3-0 - Double eight gives Lewis a third successive leg against the Maori qualifier. 4-0 - Leach hits a 180, but misses the bull to finish 94 as Lewis returns from his earlier miss to post double two for a four-leg lead. 5-0 - Lewis takes out 75 on double 12 to move to the brink of victory. 6-0 - Lewis completes a whitewash win by finishing 74 on tops. Peter Wright v Warren Parry 1-0 - Wright finishes 80 on double ten to win the opening leg. 1-1 - Parry hits back in style to level, hitting a 180 before taking out 74. 2-1 - Wright opens with a maximum and finishes 96 on double nine to regain the advantage. 3-1 - Wright takes out 64 on double 16 as he moves two legs clear, punishing a miss from Parry. 4-1 - Wright breaks throw to win a third consecutive leg. 5-1 - Parry misses double eight and four to take out 70 as he allows Wright a reprieve from four misses to return on double two. 6-1 - Wright completes a strong performance by landing double 16 to seal his quarter-final spot. Raymond van Barneveld v Cody Harris 1-0 - Harris misses the bull to take the opening leg, and van Barneveld finishes double eight to lead. 2-0 - The 2015 runner-up lands a 180 and double 16 as he doubles his lead. 3-0 - van Barneveld continues his fine opening with an 11-darter, scoring 140, 180 and 145 before hitting double 18. 4-0 - The Dutchman lands a 180 as he claims another break of throw to move four legs clear. 5-0 - van Barneveld finishes 64 on tops to continue his superb display against the New Zealand number one. 5-1 - van Barneveld misses match darts across two visits as Harris lands tops to claim his first leg and keep his hopes alive. 5-2 - van Barneveld opens with a 180, but Harris also kicks off with a maximum and adds a 140 and a ton before finishing 81 for a 12-darter to continue his fightback. 6-2 - The Dutchman takes out 72 on double six to secure his quarter-final spot. Dave Chisnall v Clinton Bridge 1-0 - Chisnall takes out 90 to win the opening leg on double nine. 2-0 - Chisnall hits a 180 and is given a reprieve for his missed doubles when Bridge is unable to hit tops with two darts, allowing the Englishman back in on double one. 2-1 - Bridge takes out tops to claim his first leg of the game. 2-2 - Chisnall misses a dart at tops, and left-hander Bridge manages to hit the bed to level the contest. 3-2 - Double eight edges Chisnall back into the lead. 3-3 - Australian ace Bridge lands tops to square the game again. 3-4 - Bridge lands a 180, and punishes Chisnall for a miss at double 16 by taking out double four to break throw and move ahead for the first time. 4-4 - Chisnall responds with a 14-darter to break back immediately and level, hitting a 180 before taking out 83 in two darts. 5-4 - Double 18 sees Chisnall regain the lead. 6-4 - Chisnall opens with 180 and adds scores of 125 and 140 before finishing tops to seal victory with an 11-darter. Phil Taylor v Rob Szabo 1-0 - Szabo misses three darts to win the opening leg, at double top and ten, and Taylor punishes him by finishing 65 on double four. 2-0 - Szabo is off-target with one further dart at tops, and Taylor again capitalises by finishing double 16. 3-0 - Taylor misses double 12 for a nine-dart finish in a spectacular leg, opening with scores of 177 and 180 before hitting two more treble 20s before seeing the final double go begging - but he returns to hit double 12 for an 11-darter to continue his strong start. 4-0 - Tops sees Taylor move four legs clear. 5-0 - Taylor initially misses double 19 for a 155 finish, but returns to hit the bed as he moves to the brink of victory. 6-0 - Taylor fires in a 177 score to leave 32 before landing double 16 for a 13-darter to complete an impressive display with a 106 average. Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta 1-0 - Double five gives the world number one the opening leg, after Heta misses three darts to break throw. 1-1 - Heta lands double ten to level the contest. 2-1 - Heta misses double top to take out 70, and van Gerwen finishes 76 to edge ahead. 2-2 - Both players initially miss a dart at tops before Heta lands double ten to level once more. 3-2 - van Gerwen lands a 180 before finishing 76 on tops to move back ahead. 3-3 - van Gerwen's miss at double four allows Heta in to finish 56 on tops. 4-3 - The Dutchman lands a 180 to leave 24 as he regains the lead. 5-3 - van Gerwen fires in back-to-back 180s in a superb 12-darter as he takes out 61 on double 18 for the first break of throw in the game. 6-3 - van Gerwen hits his sixth 180 before landing double eight to come through a tough contest. Gary Anderson v Bernie Smith 1-0 - Anderson kicks off the game with a 13-darter as double 12 gives him the opening leg. 2-0 - Smith hits a 180, but is unable to prevent Anderson from doubling his lead by landing double 12 for a second successive 13-darter. 3-0 - Anderson lands a maximum and double 18 to claim a third straight leg. 3-1 - Smith fires in a 180 before hitting double four to win his first leg. 4-1 - Anderson restores his lead by taking out 106 on tops. 5-1 - Tops moves Anderson a leg away from victory. 5-2 - Smith checks out 86 in two darts to break throw and keep his hopes alive. 6-2 - Anderson fires in a 171 score to leave 94 before taking out the finish to seal an impressive win with a 106 average.
1 Gary Anderson106.61 6 Bernie Smith 83.832 2
1 Gary Anderson103.93 10 6 Peter Wright 96.13 6
6 Peter Wright96.53 6 Warren Parry 81.09 1
1Gary Anderson111.37 11 8 Raymond van Barneveld 104.85 7
4 Dave Chisnall91.34 6 Clinton Bridge 82.834 4
4 Dave Chisnall 95.91 5 8Raymond van Barneveld 101.11 10
8Raymond van Barneveld 97.36 6 Cody Harris 86.97 2
1Gary Anderson 99.60 11 5 Adrian Lewis98.96 7
2Michael van Gerwen100.60 6 Damon Heta 85.52 3
2 Michael van Gerwen107.63 6 7 James Wade107.45 10
7 James Wade89.04 6 Ken Moir 76.00 2
7 James Wade 94.51 9 5 Adrian Lewis100.28 11
3 Phil Taylor106.09 6 Rob Szabo 77.07 0
3 Phil Taylor 107.57 9 5 Adrian Lewis101.71 10
5 Adrian Lewis95.94 6 Stuart Leech 78.45 0
Results Courtesy Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Auckland_Darts_Masters