10 Aug 2017

Local darts player to take on Phil 'The Power' Taylor

6:57 pm on 10 August 2017

It'll be a David and Goliath meeting when local darts player Darren Herewini steps up to the oche to take on the legendary Phil 'The Power' Taylor at the Auckland Darts Masters.

The tournament is in its third year and has once again attracted the cream of the darts world to battle it out at Henderson's Trusts Arena.

The Flying Scotsman, Gary Anderson, returns to defend his title along with other top ranked players, Peter "Snakebite" Wright and "The Machine" James Wade.

NZ's Darren Herewini aka Apocalypse and Phil " the power" Taylor match up in the first round of Auckland Darts Masters Thursday 10 August 2017.

NZ's Darren Herewini aka Apocalypse and Phil " the power" Taylor match up in the first round of Auckland Darts Masters Thursday 10 August 2017. Photo: Photosport

Herewini, a 25-year-old sprinkler technician from Porirua, has found himself drawn against Taylor, a 16 times World Champion, which was a dream come true.

"I wanted to actually draw him just to get that chance to play him. Whether I win or lose, I'll gain experience.

"Just to play the legend himself is a pleasure, a real pleasure," he said.

And as for the pressure of playing in his first Auckland Darts Masters against the greatest player of the game, Herewini said he'd take it all in his stride.

Peter Wright aka Snakebite.

Peter Wright aka Snakebite. Photo: Photosport

"That's what this game is all about. The first time up on the stage, there's going to be a little bit of nerves.

"It's just something you've got to work off. I'll use it to my advantage and hopefully play well. It'll be fun," he said.

The meeting on Friday would be all the more special because it would be part of Taylor's swansong world tour.

After playing and travelling the world for 30 years, Taylor would be relieved to pack away the darts and do something different.

"I've been 30 years under pressure to perform week in week out, where as exhibition work, after dinners, I can just go and enjoy it and there's no pressure on me."

One of his main opponents over the last few years, Peter 'Snakebite' Wright, said it had been an honour to be on Taylor's final tour and there would never be anyone to match him.

"He's the best and it's great to play against him still.

"We're definitely going to miss him and no one is ever is going to replace him," he said.

'Snakebite' Wright was one of the more colourful characters on the tour, with a mohawk and very loud trousers.

He said to achieve his look on match nights it could take anywhere between 90 minutes and 4 hours depending on the motif he wanted painted on the side of his head.

Peter Wright aka Snakebite with Phil " the power" Taylor.

Peter Wright aka Snakebite with Phil " the power" Taylor. Photo: Photosport

Like Taylor, Wright enjoyed the knowledgeable crowds at the Auckland competition and looking forward to getting back in front of them.

He has twice got to the quarter-finals here, so this year he would be looking to go all the way.

"I'm playing a lot better this year, I've won nine tournaments this year, so hopefully I'll make it 10. That's the plan," he said