Niels Zonneveld vs Haupai Puha Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 PDC World Darts Championship | First Round
After coming through a late qualifier, New Zealand’s Haupai Puha is looking to win for the first time ever at the World Darts Championship as he takes on Niels Zonneveld, who won his first round game last year.
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How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Peacock
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Niels Zonneveld vs Haupai Puha prediction
Niels Zonneveld is competing in his fifth World Darts Championship and right now, all he’ll be focused on is equalling his achievement of last year, reaching the second round after beating Darren Webster 3-1 despite an average of under 80.00. The draw has been kind to the Dutchman, with Haupai Puha drawn against him.
A last-minute qualifier, Puha has never reached the second round at Ally Pally but the current world number 97 and first New Zealander to win a PDC tour card will hope that this year sees that chance with what would no doubt be the biggest win of his career.
Zonneveld will be the clear favourite heading into the match, but Puha has the game to challenge him, especially if Zonneveld averages under 80.00 again. Double will be critical on both sides and the smart play would be to back over 3.5 sets with neither likely to win via a 3-0 margin.
Niels Zonneveld vs Haupai Puha tip: Over 3.5 total sets
