Jonny Clayton vs Haupai Puha Prediction & Betting Tips - New Zealand Darts Masters
PDC - New Zealand Darts Masters
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by Devesh Jaganath | in Darts Predictions
Jonny Clayton will meet Haupai Puha in the opening round of the 2026 New Zealand Darts Masters on Friday morning. The Ferret beat this opponent 6-1 in their last encounter, and we’re going for him to win this clash as well, as discussed in our prediction below.
Jonny Clayton is set to return to the NZ Darts Masters for the first time since the 2022 edition, where he reached the final, and he has been drawn against a familiar foe in the opening round.
While the Ferret has not won a major title this year, he has been solid in 2026, having finished second in the group stage of the Premier League and reaching the final of the Belgian Darts Open.
Clayton lost to Gary Anderson in the second round of the World Matchplay last month and has won five of his last 10 matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Haupai Puha will be featuring in his sixth NZ Darts Open this year. He is a veteran on the Oceanic darts scene and one of the most experienced local players in World Series history.
Hopes has not won a PDC title this year, but he has racked up three WDF titles in 2026, including the Canterbury Open, Hutt Valley Singles, and the South Island Masters.
However, Puha has lost each of his last seven listed matches ahead of this one. He did beat Clayton in the Queensland Masters back in 2022.
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Jonny Clayton - Haupai Puha Key Points
- Jonny Clayton is ranked fifth in the PDC Order of Merit.
- Jonny Clayton reached the final in his last NZ Darts Masters appearance.
- Jonny Clayton beat this opponent 6-1 in their last encounter.
- Haupai Puha is on a seven-match losing streak (listed events).
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Our Jonny Clayton vs Haupai Puha Prediction
Haupai Puha is easily one of the most experienced players from the Oceanic region, and he deserves consideration in this clash, having won one of his two previous encounters against this opponent.
However, Jonny Clayton has been one of the most consistent players in world darts this year, consistently reaching the latter stages of the PDC’s major events in recent times. We fancy the Ferret to progress from this one. Our Jonny Clayton vs Haupai Puha prediction is Jonny Clayton wins.
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