The PDC’s packed summer schedule returns to Australasia this weekend for its latest event. The first of three Oceanic events will be The Auckland Darts Masters. The field, as in all the World Series events, features 16 players made up of a combination of PDC stars and local qualifiers.

Phil “The Power” Taylor will be attempting to capitalise on his Matchplay triumph and celebrate his 57th birthday in style. Taylor’s recent efforts have boosted interest, in whether he can bow out with a 17th world title.

Defending champion Gary Anderson will try to add, the 2017 Auckland title, to the Dubai event he claimed in May. Micheal Van Gerwen is absent with the Netherlands being represented by Raymond Van Barneveld the 2015 runner-up. Micheal Smith and Daryl Gurney, fresh from his superb Matchplay semi-final, will play in their first and second World Series events respectively.

Australasian interest is boosted by a returning Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson who claimed his first PDC Pro Tour final last weekend, hitting perfect leg along the way. Corey Cadby, the reigning world youth champion, also proved dangerous in 2016. Cody Harris, who   reached the later stages of the Winmau World Masters in 2015, Rob Szabo, Mark Cleaver, Warren Parry, Rob Modra and, TV debutant, Darren Herewini complete the list of local talent.

Peter Wright and James Wade will also represent the PDC and be will be searching for their first World Series title. The Auckland Darts Masters will be held , at the Kents Arena, from Friday through to Sunday and is in association with TAB and Burger King.