A breakdown of all the big names taking part at the Auckland Darts Masters this weekend.
Gary Anderson (seeded 1)
Age: 46
Represents: Scotland
Nickname: The Flying Scotsman
Darts: 23g Unicorn.
World Ranking: 2
Known for... winning the world titles in 2015 and 2016. The brilliant Anderson has battled sight issues, and rates himself amongst the
game's worst board number crunchers. The former builder is also a teetotaller who celebrates his success with a cup of coffee. He was a snooker-obsessed kid, who has made a century break. Anderson is the current Auckland champion.
Famous quote (on Phil Taylor): "It's always an honour to be on the stage with that man. He's one of my biggest heroes and to get one over on him is even better."
Peter Wright (2)
Age: 47
Represents: Scotland
Nickname: Snakebite
Darts: 20g Red Dragon
World ranking: 3
Known for... a flamboyant stage persona, spiked hair, whacky costumes etc. Notorious for being unable to win titles, Wright has had a breakthrough year, winning the UK Open and some European events. Wright's hairdresser wife Jo spends hours making his hair-dos each competition day and airbrushing the trademark SnakeBite on the side of his head. Jo told the Herald she uses this time to build up his fragile confidence.
Famous quote, on his stage persona: "At the beginning a lot of people were like: 'Oh, look at that idiot, that clown. But I just wanted to be different. It wasn't a plan." (Telegraph)
Raymond van Barneveld (3)
Age: 50
Represents: Holland
Nickname: Barney
Darts: 25g Target
World ranking: 8
Known for...a beautiful throwing action but inconsistent performances. The Dutch veteran, a five-time world champ, suffers diabetes which saps his energy, affects his concentration and lowers his morale. At times he has barely been able to pull the darts out of the board, and "Barney" struggled to change his diet and lifestyle when initially diagnosed.
Famous quote: "I don't even look ahead to see who I'm playing anymore. I am more worried about battling diabetes. If I can win that battle I will win darts matches, simple as that."
James Wade (4)
Age: 34
Represents: England
Nickname: The Machine
Darts: 20g Unicorn
World ranking: 10
Known for... going public about his battles with depression, mental disorders, drinking too much and obsessive behaviour particularly around collecting things like military medals. Had a series of nicknames early in his care, and even announcing he had no nickname, until the former mechanic settled on 'The Machine'. Wade has made three world championship semifinals.
Famous quote: "Sometimes my attitude towards the game's probably not correct. I keep saying I'm going to commit myself a bit more. But sometimes you don't want to be at work, and it's hard to fake." (Telegraph)
