In a stunning display of skill, Justin Hood achieved a record-breaking performance at the 2023 World Darts Championship, defeating Josh Rock 4-0 in the last 16. Hood’s remarkable feat included hitting 11 consecutive doubles, falling just short of a perfect match when he missed a shot at double 16 while leading 3-0 in sets and 2-0 in legs.
With this victory, Hood surpassed the previous record of 10 out of 11 doubles set by Jonny Clayton during the 2021 World Masters final. “It’s not a fairytale. I know what I can do, and it’s nice to prove it up here,” Hood said in an interview with Sky Sports Darts after his win. “The only time I had a bit of nerves was when I was throwing to win it in the penultimate leg.” His performance captivated the audience at Alexandra Palace, who quickly recognized they were witnessing an exceptional moment in darts history.
Hood’s Unmatched Precision
Hood’s dominance throughout the match was evident as he secured the first two sets in deciding legs, showcasing his precision under pressure. The crowd erupted as Hood powered through the third set with a 3-1 leg score. After winning the first two legs of the fourth set, he was on the brink of a perfect match when he attempted a 143 checkout but missed the crucial double, ultimately finishing with an impressive record of 12 out of 16 on doubles.
The 32-year-old from Somerset will next face either Michael van Gerwen or Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals, adding to the excitement surrounding his journey in the championship.
Clayton and Ratajski Move Forward
Jonny Clayton, the fifth seed, also advanced in the tournament, defeating Swedish debutant Andreas Harrysson 4-2. The match was intensely competitive, with both players sharing the opening four sets. Harrysson, despite leading 2-0 in the fifth set, missed three darts that could have secured him a set win. Clayton capitalized on this, breaking back and eventually clinching the set to secure his victory.
“There’s a lot of things on my mind, obviously moving to world No 4 was one of them,” Clayton noted post-match. “And to be fair to Andreas, every time I looked up, he was hitting doubles. That was tough.” The match underscored the pressure Clayton faced, with Harrysson maintaining a strong challenge throughout.
In another notable performance, Poland’s top player Krzysztof Ratajski secured his place in the quarter-finals after defeating Luke Woodhouse 4-2. Woodhouse nearly achieved a nine-darter in the third set but ultimately lost momentum, allowing Ratajski to dominate with six wins out of eight legs to close the match.
The 2023 World Darts Championship continues to deliver thrilling moments, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming quarter-final matches. With players like Hood, Clayton, and Ratajski in strong form, the competition remains fierce as they vie for the championship title.
Viewers can follow all the action live on Sky Sports, ensuring they do not miss any of the exciting developments in this prestigious tournament.
