The two-time world champion Gary Anderson clearly prevailed against surprise quarter-finalist and outsider Justin Hood at the Darts World Cup on Thursday. Anderson reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.
Anderson improved as the game progressed and ultimately won clearly 5-2. In the semi-finals the Scot will face the winner of the game Luke Humphries against Gian van Veen.
Justin”Happy Feet” Hood from England was eliminated with little chance after his surprising quarter-final appearance. The 32-year-old, who only earned his PDC tour card in January, should still be very satisfied with how his first World Cup went.
Balanced start to the game
At the beginning there was “Ally Pally“Developed a balanced game. While Anderson scored better, especially in sets one and three, and hardly let Hood get into checkout situations, Hood was fully present in sets two and four and was able to equalize in each case, especially because he hit the doubles consistently well and maintained a double rate of over 70 percent for a long time.
Anderson’s form was strong, however, so he put Hood under constant pressure with many shots of over 100 points. With his best set to date (average of almost 105), the Scot grabbed the fifth set. Anderson now seemed determined not to allow his opponent to equalize directly again.
The “Flying Scotsman” turns up the heat
Hood now and again missed a finish, but Anderson was there in the crucial moments – and promptly broke. Suddenly the “Flying Scotsman“The checkouts were playful, winning the set 4:2 was the logical consequence.
Good harmony on stage: Hood (l.) grins with Anderson
Hood, who smiled and acknowledged the strong performance of the “Flying Scotsman”, could hardly counter the now extremely focused Anderson. Towards the end of the match, Anderson played like he was at his best and confidently took the win. The 2015 and 2016 world champion will not be underestimated in the semi-finals.