Gary Anderson advances to World Darts Championship semi-finals for eighth time with victory over Justin Hood | Darts News
Gary Anderson advanced to the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship for the eighth time in his career by beating Ally Pally cult hero Justin Hood on New Year’s Day.
Hood made a big impression at the Worlds and is set to make his Chinese restaurant dream a reality after securing £100,000 to reach the quarter-finals.
But Anderson went a little too far as the Scot ended his fairytale debut with a 5-2 victory averaging 99.4, five 180s, a 43 percent checkout and three tons and over 161, 127 and 121.
Anderson averaged 98 with 3/5 in doubles to win the first set in comfortable fashion, but Hood responded by shooting three 180s and a box ton to even things up.
“The Flying Scotsman” raced through the third set to regain the upper hand, but “Happy Feet” came back from 2-1 down to land a clutch 120 in the deciding part of the fourth set and restore parity.
Anderson overtook Hood, who said he planned to open a Chinese takeaway restaurant in 2026 after his stunning last-round rout of Josh Rock, in three straight rounds to win the next one. And he followed it up with 72 and 98 combinations and a delicious 121, helping him take a 4-2 lead with a monstrous average of 112.38.
The 55-year-old turned on the afterburner in the seventh set as he scored a breathtaking 161 on target to race towards an either-or encounter. Luc Humphries Or Gian Van Veen.
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Anderson said he was “over the moon” to make the semi-finals at Ally Pally
Anderson said: “I felt in control at certain stages. But I would make a mess and it would come back, the next minute it was 2-2.
“I started to find a rhythm at the end, so I’m over the moon to be able to do that!”
Facing Luke Humphries or Gian van Veen, he said: “Luke Littler is the best on the planet right now, but what Luke Humphries has done in the last three years to defend his money, he’s there or thereabouts. He’s a top player.”
Durant: Anderson was magnificent
Glen Durantant of Sky Sports Darts:
“The crowd today was incredible. Justin Hood won’t forget these few weeks of darts. The important thing is he kicked off.
“He showed all the qualities to be a top player. The experience, the firepower and the heavy artillery of Gary Anderson, he was magnificent. He managed the match brilliantly.”
Tale of the gang
Searle advances to semi-finals
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Highlights from the quarter-final match between Ryan Searle and Jonny Clayton at the World Championship
Ryan Searle won the biggest match of his life with a stunning 5-2 quarter-final victory over Jonny Clayton.
‘Heavy Metal’ is guaranteed £200,000 and will reach at least 7th in the world rankings with an average of 91, three maximums and checkouts of 125, 116 and 111 when winning, while ‘The Ferret’ was punished for 30 missed double attempts.
“It means a lot! I don’t think any of us played particularly well. I felt really nervous and there’s a lot on the line!” said the 38-year-old, Devon-born star.
“I think my finishing under pressure was pretty good. Jonny missed a lot of doubles early and that was the difference.
“Controlling the 111 was huge. It’s what I do all the time when I’m training, but on stage it’s different. Getting to the semi-finals is huge.
“I think I’m provisionally number 7 in the world, which is crazy for me. A message for the people out there, I don’t see it particularly well, but don’t let that hold you back. I’m trying to be an inspiration to them.”
Searle will face the winner of the clash between Luc Littler And Krzysztof Ratajski.
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Searle said he tries to inspire visually impaired people. He lives with a rare condition called dominant optic atrophy, a genetic eye disease that affects vision.
Turner: Searle punished Clayton
Laura Turner from Sky Sports Darts:
“It was a blistering start from Ryan. There was a dip in the middle of this match and that is reflected in his average of 91.
“But his percentage is double compared to Jonny Clayton, who missed his chances and he will be frustrated. He was punished by Searle and by the timing as well.
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Searle won this first set of his quarter-final match against Clayton with this finish…
What’s happening at Ally Pally on Thursday evening?
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Glen Durrant and Laura Turner discuss Luke Littler’s fiery response to boos from the Ally Pally crowd during his clash against Rob Cross
The World Championship quarterfinals continue on Thursday night, as Littler continues his title defense against Ratajski, while Humphries and Van Veen also face off.
The Dutchman beat Humphries earlier this year in the European Championship final.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407 from December 10). Stream darts and many other top sports with NOW.
