Kiwi darts player Haupai Puha is still coming to terms with achieving his sporting dreams.
The 38-year-old is the first Kiwi to earn a tour card on the professional darts circuit.
“It’s life changing, obviously, getting off the tools being a roofer. It's a big change for my family. I’m looking forward to the future," Puha told 1News.
Puha emerged as one of the top qualifiers in a field of 500 athletes in Germany, earning enough points at the qualifying event to claim one of 17 places on offer.
He goes from competing at Oceania events to being one of the world's top 128 darts players. Earning a PDC tour card is similar to golf’s PGA Tour. He’ll also have the chance to qualify for other major darts tournaments.
“All the hard work, sacrificing time away from family, sacrificing holiday pay, all of that, to reach the ultimate goal it's big for me and my family," Puha said.
Puha's season starts in mid-February where he is likely to come up against some of the best in the world on a regular basis.
“I’ll play the likes of Michael Van Gerwen, Michael Smith and Peter Wright. I’ll just be another guy in the room, just waving the New Zealand flag,” Puha said.
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