Gary Anderson delivered a performance full of authority and flair as he defeated Justin Hood 5-2 to book his place in the semi-finals of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. It marked the eighth time the two-time world champion has reached the last four, underlining his enduring class on the sport’s biggest stage.
The opening exchanges were competitive, with Hood continuing the fearless approach that carried him deep into the tournament. However, once Anderson found his rhythm, the contest tilted decisively. The Scot produced remarkable scoring bursts, posting set averages above 110 during key passages of the match and repeatedly punishing any lapse from his opponent.
One of the defining moments came in the latter stages when Anderson produced a sensational 161 checkout, finishing on the bullseye to close out the match in style. Earlier, he had also taken out 121 under pressure, a reminder of his trademark composure on the big finishes. Those moments proved crucial as he pulled clear by winning three consecutive sets to seal the victory.
Hood showed resilience and ambition throughout, but Anderson’s blend of experience, heavy scoring and clinical doubling ultimately made the difference. The result keeps the Scottish veteran firmly on course for another serious title challenge at Ally Pally.
Anderson will now face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen in the semi-finals, a match scheduled for the following evening. Despite growing talk of a potential third world crown, Anderson remained firmly grounded in his post-match reaction, brushing aside title speculation by saying: “No, no, next game first!”
With form, confidence and big-match nerve all aligning, Anderson heads into the semi-finals as one of the most compelling figures left in the championship as the tournament edges closer to its climax.
