Darts stars mingle with fans in Hamilton

Some of the biggest stars in international darts mingled and played a friendly competition with fans at the Hamilton Workingmen’s Club on Thursday. 

The stars are in town ahead of the PDC World Series of Darts competition, which starts today at GloBox Arena.

With world-ranked players Michael ‘Bully Boy’ Smith, Gerwyn ‘Iceman’ Price and Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright in attendance, darts fans swarmed the establishment. 

Many fans wore darts shirts representing their hometown clubs such as Tokoroa, Hamilton and Cambridge.

The social event was an opportunity for avid fans to get a glimpse of their favourite players, usually only seen competing on the big stage

It was also a chance for the stars to have fun and play some friendly competitions with the community.

Fans eagerly waited until 5:45 pm when the stars arrived. And the building erupted in cheers as they made their way to the darts area.

This reporter was fortunate to play against these professionals, and what an experience that was.

With current World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall as our team captain, we battled against players such as world number 8 Robb Cross, and Australians Simon ‘The Wizard’  Whitlock and Damon ‘The Heat’ Heta. 

As a beginner player,  I asked Aspinall for any advice or words of encouragement. He jokingly replied, “Just hit the board”.

“As long as it’s on the board it’s all good.”

World number 4 Gerwyn Price’s advice to this reporter

The games were all for fun with cheerful banter and loads of enjoyment. 

Although Team Aspinall battled fiercely in our three games, we only saw one victory, although I was surprised and pleased I managed to hit two bull’s eyes.

Throughout the games the players yarned to the fans at the club, signing precious possessions and taking photos. 

Some fans were even lucky to throw some of their favourite player’s darts.

All together the social event was a spectacular way to draw many people together to celebrate the wonderful sport of darts in New Zealand.

The PDC’s World Series of Darts is on at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands  on Friday, 4 August & Saturday 5 August 2023 

https://claudelands.co.nz/events/all-events/event/new-zealand-darts-masters-2023