The Darts Players New Zealand (DPNZ) circuit ignited in Auckland with a thrilling double-header weekend. Season dominator Ben Robb further cemented his top spot by clinching Event 7, overcoming rising star Jonny Tata. The excitement continued as 19-year-old talent Jack Sheppard made headlines, securing his first-ever DPNZ title in Event 8 after a dramatic final against Jaymie Hilton-Jones. The battle for season supremacy is heating up as the tour heads to Christchurch and Pukekohe next.
Robb’s Unstoppable Season Continues with Another Title
The Darts Players New Zealand (DPNZ) circuit roared back to life at the Howick Club in Auckland, hosting another crucial double-header on the increasingly competitive domestic calendar. With the 2026 campaign gathering significant momentum, New Zealand’s top dart players gathered once again, all vying for vital ranking points and a stronger position within the elite ranks of Kiwi darts.
Heading into the weekend, experienced campaigner Ben Robb had already established himself as the dominant force of the season, securing three of the first six events. Kayden Milne had claimed two titles, while Jonny Tata arrived fresh off his breakthrough win at the previous tour stop.
In Event 7, Robb further reinforced his status as the standout performer, adding yet another title to his impressive collection. The Rangiora thrower delivered a series of calm and authoritative performances throughout the day, ultimately overcoming the aforementioned Tata in a compelling final.
Robb’s Road to Victory in Event 7:
- Flawless Group Stage: Robb navigated the initial round-robin fixtures with remarkable assurance, progressing without facing significant resistance.
- Tough Quarter-Final Challenge: He successfully overcame a potentially tricky encounter against Jaymie Hilton-Jones, prevailing 5-3 in a match that demanded considerable composure at pivotal moments.
- Semi-Final Masterclass: Robb elevated his game further in the semi-finals against former PDC Tour Card holder Haupai Puha. The experienced Puha struggled to contain Robb’s relentless scoring power and clinical finishing, managing to secure only two legs as Robb emphatically advanced to the championship match.
- Controlled Final Performance: The final saw Tata once again demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the nation’s emerging talents. However, Robb ultimately proved too accomplished over the longer format, sealing the title with a controlled 7-4 victory.
Teen Sensation Jack Sheppard Claims Maiden DPNZ Title
Attention then shifted to the second event of the weekend, which witnessed the emergence of a new champion on the seasonal honours board. Nineteen-year-old Jack Sheppard produced an immensely impressive run to secure his maiden title of the year, **edging a dramatic last-leg decider against Jaymie Hilton-Jones to prevail 7-6 in a highly compelling final.**
Much like Robb twenty-four hours earlier, Sheppard advanced through the group stages with notable authority before continuing his progress through a succession of tightly contested knockout encounters. His victories over established players highlighted both his resilience and a maturity beyond his years, qualities which ultimately culminated in triumph during a tense deciding leg in the final.
Sheppard’s Breakthrough Journey in Event 8:
- Strong Group Stage Performance: Sheppard started confidently, navigating his initial matches with ease.
- Key Knockout Wins: He demonstrated his mettle by defeating seasoned players like Mark Cleaver in the quarter-finals and Jonny Tata in the semi-finals.
- Dramatic Championship Final: In a nail-biting conclusion, Sheppard held his nerve to win 7-6 against Jaymie Hilton-Jones in the final leg, securing his first DPNZ title and marking himself as a player to watch.
What’s Next for the DPNZ Circuit?
The DPNZ circuit will now move onwards to Christchurch at the beginning of July, promising more intense darting action. The concluding two events of the campaign will then take place in Pukekohe in early September, where the battle for seasonal supremacy is expected to intensify even further as players push for top rankings and championship glory.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
