Former world darts champion Rob 'Voltage' Cross insists a Kiwi can win the NZ Darts Masters this weekend in Hamilton.
Cody Harris, Haupai Puha, Craig Caldwell, Ben Robb and Warren Parry are the five New Zealanders contesting the event, with the latter facing Cross in the first round.
The tournament sees eight local players from Australia and New Zealand face eight of the best from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
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Since the Masters has come to New Zealand in 2015, only one Kiwi qualifier has ever managed to beat one of the game's best in the first round - Mark McGrath stunned Englishman Michael Smith last year.
But after losing to Australian qualifier Damon Heta in the Brisbane final two weeks ago, Cross doesn't see why the Kiwis can't follow suit this weekend.
"Everything seems to be getting stronger and the standard is going up, so I don't see why we can't see why we won't have a New Zealand finalist this week," he told Newshub.
"Cody Harris is always dangerous and there is no reason why he can't go all the way."
But if a Kiwi arrowsmith doesn't win, Cross is confident he can.
He visited New Zealand for the first time last year and while things didn't go to plan, he admits he's in a much better headspace and ready to enjoy his time here.
The 28-year-old rose to stardom in 2018, as he went from amateur and fulltime electrician to world champion in the space of 12 months.
Cross has struggled with the pressures of being an international sports superstar, which led to some below-par results through the rest of 2018, including a loss during the round of 16 in his world crown defence in December.
But he's put put those lessons to practice this year, with plenty of rewards, including winning the Phil Taylor Trophy at the world matchplay tournament in Blackpool, becoming just the fourth man to win both the world titles.
The others are Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.
"When I look back, it was a massive learning year for me," Cross told Newshub."I was only a professional for a year and I wasn't enjoying it as much.
"But I'm enjoying it now and I'm enjoying playing. I'm producing decent darts and playing well every week, and let's hope it continues.
"There isn't a day where I want the world championships back. I miss it, but at the same time, there isn't another professional who won it so quick.
"Going forward, I feel settled and I think it will only get better for me."
Last year, the PDC players arrived in New Zealand 48 hours before the event started, but this year, they've had the entire week to settle in and explore some of the sights around the North Island.
Cross came to New Zealand last year, but he's more comfortable and relaxed this time, which is one less pressure off his shoulders.
"It's great to be back," he said. "I've had a great trip during the world series and it's fantastic being back in New Zealand, because I roughly know where I'm going, which is nice.
"When I turned up here last year, it was the wildest thing I've ever done, as I'd never been on such a long flight.
"You don't enjoy it or see as much when you first come here. I'm much calmer this year and I'm ready to see more of this beautiful place.
"We came in on Sunday and wandered around Auckland. There are some nice people here, great restaurants, and places to go walking and explore."
Newshub.
