Hazel Wins NZ Title

PHILLIP HAZEL has won the Charter Clubs of New Zealands Singles title, earning him a Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship place.

The Kiwi recently qualified for the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic, and continued his form by taking the national title.

He won through a 210-player field to claim the title, which also earns him a place in December's Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

"I'm over the moon," said Hazel, who defeated Bernie Smith in the final. "It's been a great year so far and can only get better.

"To qualify for in Las Vegas was the highlight of my career only to top that with a TV appearance against James Wade.

"But winning the New Zealand Championship title now gives me the opportunity to represent myself and New Zealand at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.

"I am sure I will do New Zealand and myself proud. The experience I gained in Vegas will help me in the UK and I am looking forward to being at the world's most prestigious event."

DartPlayers Australia chairman Kevin Berlyn added: "Phil has shown great ability over the past six months.

"Although he's a relative unknown in the PDC he showed great form in Las Vegas and he's a great example of the players being produced on the DPA and DartPlayers New Zealand circuit."

The tournament also saw Bernie Smith hit a nine-darter, although he eventually went down in the final.

Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship are on sale now from www.seetickets.com/darts or by calling 0871 220 0260. Hospitality packages are available on 08712 501 180.