TAB: 2018 Auckland Darts Masters - punter's guide to day 1

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Kyle Anderson returns to New Zealand to defend his Auckland Darts Masters title in what should be an intriguing opening night.

Best bet

Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry
Leg Handicap: Parry +3.5 ($1.60)

These two faced off in the first round of last year's Auckland Darts Masters and Parry pushed Barney to the brink with the Dutchman winning 6-4. One of the biggest names of the qualifiers, Parry has shown the ability to get up against strong opposition in the past, including a win over Michael van Gerwen in 2014. He's also every chance of covering against the hot-and-cold RvB.

Next best

Peter Wright v Tahuna Irwin
Leg Handicap: Irwin +4.5 ($1.57)

Peter Wright has had an up-and-down 2018, recently making the semifinals of the World Matchplay, though he's also had several trip-ups against underdogs of late, with names such as Bradley Brooks, Gabriel Clemens and Robert Marijanovic all defeating the Scotsman in recent months.

Tahuna Irwin, a 21-year-old Kiwi, has qualified for the World Darts Championship at the end of the year and could push 'Snakebite'.

Roughie

Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry
Head to Head: Warren Parry ($5.50)

As was outlined above. Parry has been around for a long time now and won't be nervous as he steps up to the oche at The Trusts Arena. If Barney gets behind early on, he might crumble like he has done in the past.

Best real wide

Kyle Anderson v Haupai Puha
Correct Leg Score: Kyle Anderson 6-5 ($9.00)

Despite being the reigning Auckland Darts Masters champion, Kyle Anderson might be vulnerable in his first match. Up against the little-known Haupai Puha, who has been on the Darts Players New Zealand circuit for two years, Anderson is a chance of stumbling to a qualifier. The big Aussie has lost his last four matches, two of which were 6-5 losses to players outside of the world's top 50.