Ben Robb secured his return to Alexandra Palace by topping the 2026 Dartplayers New Zealand ProTour, whilst Haupai Puha made a big impact with two titles on the final weekend of the season in Auckland. This is significant because it seals off one of the Oceania routes to the PDC World Championship qualifiers, with a name already familiar to Ally Pally.
The PDC confirmed on Monday that Robb had secured his place at the 2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship thanks to his top spot in the DPNZ rankings. Puha, for his part, did not secure his place at the World Championship via this route, but he reminded everyone over the course of two days that he remains a very dangerous player on the New Zealand circuit.
Robb is, above all, a front-runner
The key point is that it’s not just about the last weekend. Robb dominated the entire DPNZ season, winning five titles out of twelve tournaments. In such a tightly contested circuit, where a few days can turn the hierarchy on its head, this consistency carries more weight than a mere spell of good form.
His place at Alexandra Palace is therefore the reward for a full season’s work. Even after being beaten by Puha in the semi-finals of Event 12, Robb had already built up enough of a lead to finish top of the rankings. It’s the sort of detail that changes the narrative: he isn’t reaching the World Championship on the back of a single fluke, but as the most consistent player in the New Zealand campaign.
Puha capped off the season with two thrilling final victories
In sporting terms, however, the weekend belonged to Haupai Puha. The former PDC Tour Card holder won Events 11 and 12, each time against Jonny Tata in the final, and each time by a score of 7-6. Two titles, two final legs, and a true display of composure as the season drew to a close.
In Event 11, Puha first progressed through the group stage conceding just one leg across four matches, before beating Josh Roberts 6-0 in the semi-final. In the final, he came back from 6-5 down against Tata before clinching victory in the deciding leg.
The story of Event 12 was even more dramatic. Puha dominated Scott Wightman right from the start of the final draw, then knocked out Robb in the semi-final despite the leader’s average of 95. Once again, he had to chase the score: trailing 5-3, he won 6-5. In the final, Tata led 6-3, before Puha staged another comeback to secure a second 7-6 victory in two days.
What the DPNZ rankings confirm
The end of the season has established a clear pecking order. Robb secures his World Championship place, Puha finishes third following his double victory, and Tata secures second place. The PDC also confirms that Tata has earned his return to the ANZ Premier League, with Robb also expected to feature in the competition thanks to his number one ranking.
| Player | Standings following the latest DPNZ weekend |
|---|---|
| Ben Robb | Top of the standings, qualified for Alexandra Palace |
| Haupai Puha | Winner of Events 11 and 12, third in the standings |
| Jonny Tata | Lost two finals 7-6, second in the standings and back in the ANZ Premier League |
For Darts Nerd, this is more than just a regional report: it’s qualification news. New Zealand remains a key gateway to the PDC World Championship, with players capable of making the early rounds in London more exciting. Robb is already familiar with the stage, Puha remains an immediate threat, and Tata emerges from the weekend with his place secured despite losing two finals.
Another sign ahead of the Ally Pally run
The road to the World Championship is gradually filling up, and these qualifiers hold particular significance: they give the tournament a more international flavour, moving away from a purely European focus. Robb won’t be heading to London as a headline act, but his name carries weight in the draw, particularly for a first round where experience at Ally Pally can make all the difference.
Puha, for his part, emerges from the weekend with a different kind of message. He hasn’t secured a main draw spot via the rankings, but two consecutive titles and two finals snatched on the final leg serve as a reminder that he hasn’t dropped out of the conversation. Now we’re heading into the crunch of the autumn: every confirmed qualification is beginning to shape the World Championship, and New Zealand has just added another piece to the jigsaw.
