Top Kiwi exponent player Cody Harris will face world number one Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the Auckland Darts Masters on Friday night.
The draw for the fourth instalment of the event was done on Thursday, with eight local qualifiers randomly pitted against one of the best players in the world.
The first round matches are best of 11 legs.
- Tahuna Irwin aims big at Auckland Darts Masters debut
- Gary Anderson heading to Auckland after claiming World Matchplay title
- Fearless Haupai Puha ready to face world's best at Auckland Masters
Harris, who has yet to win at the Trusts Arena, will face the toughest test of his career, facing the world's best in his backyard.
Van Gerwen heads into the tournament as the early favourite, despite his early exit at last week's World Matchplay.
He missed last year’s trip to Auckland due to the birth of his first child.
"It has been two years since I was last here," Van Gerwen told Newshub. "The last time here, I didn't do too well, so I hope I can do some damage this time.
"I’ve known Cody for a few years - he is a good player and one of the best in New Zealand.
"He hasn't done massive damage in darts yet, but you need to make sure you're one step ahead of him and put pressure on him, so he makes mistakes."
The clash will be one of eight mouthwatering encounters at the oche on opening night.
The event will open up with world number seven Simon Whitlock against Ben Robb, who was a late call-up to the event, after Corey Cadby was forced to withdraw withdue to visa issues.
The winner of that match will face either current world champion Rob Cross or Christchurch native John Hurring.
Englishman Michael Smith will then hit the stage against the experienced Mark McGrath.
Fifty-year-old McGrath will make his Auckland Masters debut, but has had previously competed at both the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and British Darts Organisation (BDO) world championships.
Awaiting the winner of will be Raymond van Barneveld or Warren Parry, who meet in the first round for the second-straight year.
Former champion Gary Anderson heads into the tournament in the best form possible, after winning the World Matchplay on Monday. He will face Australian Tim Pusey.
Van Gerwen will tackle Harris in the sixth match of the evening, then world number two Peter Wright faces 21-year-old prospect Tahuna Irwin.
In the final first-round match, Kyle Anderson will begin the defence of his title against Haupai Puha.
It will be Puha’s first time competing in a televised darts match, but he is no stranger to top-level sport, having played on the New Zealand and Australian golf circuits.
Quarter-finals are scheduled for Saturday, with semi-finals and final taking place on Sunday.
First Round (Begins 7pm Friday)
Simon Whitlock v Ben Robb
Rob Cross v John Hurring
Michael Smith v Mark McGrath
Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry
Kyle Anderson v Haupai Puha
Peter Wright v Tahuna Irwin
Michael van Gerwen v Cody Harris
Gary Anderson v Tim Pusey
Draw Bracket
(1) Rob Cross v John Hurring
Simon Whitlock v Ben Robb
(4) Michael Smith v Mark McGrath
Raymond van Barneveld v Warren Parry
(2) Gary Anderson v Tim Pusey
Michael van Gerwen v Cody Harris
(3) Peter Wright v Tahuna Irwin
Kyle Anderson v Haupai Puha
Newshub.
Join us at 7pm Sunday for live updates of the Auckland Darts Masters semis and final.
