Richard Ashdown, better known in the darts world as Little Richard, was in Auckland to fulfil his usual role as a spotter behind the scenes during the PDC New Zealand Darts Masters.
However, the evening took an unexpected turn when Ashdown was called into action in front of the cameras. What followed left the crowd – and even the elite players – stunned.
Whilst enjoying my tea break in Auckland, I watched @lukeh180 @Dobey180 @DamonHeta180 practicing, before the final session of the @OfficialPDC NZ Darts Masters.
Luke offered me 3 darts at Double 3. I told him I would only need 1, as I’d already drank my tea and got my coat… 🤣⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jtJVud6u2U— Richard Ashdown (@LittleRichard) August 17, 2025
With a cup of tea in one hand and his coat still draped over the other, Ashdown stepped up, delivered with style, and then casually exited the stage, leaving Luke Humphries, Damon Heta, and Chris Dobey speechless. The light-hearted moment highlighted once again why Ashdown is such a beloved figure in the sport, capable of entertaining both on and off the stage.
Humphries later recovered well and reached the final of the tournament, but he could not overcome teenage sensation Luke Littler. Following his triumph in Australia, Littler also claimed the title in New Zealand – and he did it in spectacular fashion. His astonishing 115.02 average was simply too much for Humphries, whose 102.31 was an impressive but ultimately insufficient reply.
What’s Next on the PDC Calendar?
The main PDC Tour now enters a short break, but the action continues elsewhere. This coming weekend, the women take centre stage with four events in the PDC Women’s Series (17–20), held across Saturday and Sunday.
For the men, competition resumes the following week in Milton Keynes. Monday will see Players Championship 24 take place, followed by Players Championship 25 on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, August 27, tour card holders will battle it out in the qualifier for the World Series of Darts Finals. The week concludes with the Flanders Darts Trophy, staged in Belgium from Friday, August 29, through Sunday, August 31.