Irwin-Ahlers in NZ team

Tahuna Irwin-Ahlers.

Tahuna Irwin-Ahlers has been named in the New Zealand team for the second year running.

The Turanganui a Kiwa Darts Association and Brezz’n Darts Club No.1 will represent New Zealand in the WDF Asia-Pacific Cup in Seoul, South Korea.

His naming in the team comes after he won the Puma New Zealand Open men’s singles title and was runner-up in the New Zealand Darts Council men’s singles at the NZDC nationals in Rotorua this month

Irwin-Ahlers will travel to South Korea for the WDF Asia-Pacific Cup in October; to Warilla, Australia, with the Clubs NZ team later that month; and to the United Kingdom to represent New Zealand at the PDC World Youth Championships qualifier in Wigan in November.

He is also scheduled to compete in the PDPA (Professional Darts Players Association) world championship qualifying tournament in Milton Keynes in late November.

This weekend, Irwin-Ahlers — along with other Brezz’n Darts Club members — is supporting the Mad on Darts tournament in Taranaki.

In the next two months, he is scheduled to take part in competitions in Auckland and Dunedin before he embarks on his overseas campaign.

In the NZDC men’s ranking list, Irwin-Ahlers is fifth, on 54 points, behind top-ranked Mark McGrath, of Palmerston North (82pts); Darren Herewini, of Kapi Mana (66pts); Greg Moss, of Wairarapa (60pts); and Mark Cleaver, of Taranaki (55pts).

Meanwhile, Gisborne’s Sha Hohipa is tied with West City’s Tina Osborne at the top of the women’s rankings, on 80pts.

In Tuesday’s play in the Brezz’n Darts Club winter league, Irwin-Ahlers was in hot form. He had two 180s and the most high scores (26) on the night.

Results —

A Grade: Falcons 14 Tigers 7, Pumas 13 Stallions 8, Rhinos 16 Sharks 5.

B Grade: Tao Matarau 8 Ruahine 7, Pythons 12 Humming Birds 3. Scorpions had the bye.

Individual high scores

180s: Tahuna Irwin-Ahlers (2), Harley Ngarangione, Teretu Te Moananui, Tipi Eyles, Shaolyn Edwards, Hunter Eyles.

Highest start (140): Ken Lewis, Teretu Te Moananui.

Highest finish (154): Teretu Te Moananui.

Most high scores (26): Tahuna Irwin-Ahlers.