The Chronicle

Flying the Aussie flag against best in the world

- PHIL DILLON

AUSTRALIA’S finest will take on the best darts players in the world when the World Series of Darts comes to Brisbane for the first time next month.

Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson and rising star Corey Cadby will lead the Australian assault against some of the best players on the Profession­al Darts Corporatio­n tour at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

They will be joined by qualifiers from across the country and New Zealand as the boys from Down Under look to build on the success of Anderson, who is the reigning Auckland Masters champion.

World No.1 Michael van Gerwen heads the all-star cast, which also includes the three other players in the top four – world champion Rob Cross, two-time world champion Gary Anderson and world No.2 Peter Wright.

Michael Smith, who was runnerup to van Gerwen in this year’s Premier League will also be in Melbourne, with fivetime champion of the world Raymond van Barneveld, completing the PDC contingent.

They will be joined by Cadby, the top two players from DPA World Series Qualifiers Merit Table, the top player from DPNZ World Series Qualifiers Merit Table and four other qualifiers.

“This year’s World Series of Darts is shaping up to be a thrilling set of tournament­s,” said PDC chairman Barry Hearn.

“Michael Smith is enjoying his breakthrou­gh year on the big stage after knocking on the door in recent times, and after having a taste of the World Series in 2017 has now got a great opportunit­y to light up the global stage.

“Raymond’s profile makes him a massive draw in New Zealand and Australia, where he has previously reached World Series finals, and as the sport’s elder statesman in playing terms will be a big drawcard for fans Down Under.”

Following the success of the sold-out Internatio­nal Pro Darts Showdown Series in January, Brisbane gets a first World Series of Darts event.

The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the world’s best players from August 17-19.

As well as Brisbane, the World Series of Darts will head to Auckland and Melbourne on the Oceanic leg of the tour.

The Melbourne Darts Masters runs from August 10-12 at the Hisense Arena with tickets available from www.ticketek. com.au.

The Auckland Darts Masters will be held from August 3-5 at the Trusts Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek. co.nz.

For tickets, head to www. ticketek.com.au.

 ??  ?? WINNER: Kyle Anderson (Left) defeated Corey Cadby (right) in the Auckland Darts Masters last year. INSET: Simon Whitlock. Picture: PDC
WINNER: Kyle Anderson (Left) defeated Corey Cadby (right) in the Auckland Darts Masters last year. INSET: Simon Whitlock. Picture: PDC
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