Justin Hood’s Perfect Night Brings Him Closer to a Chinese Restaurant Dream
If you’re looking for one of the most feel-good stories from this year’s World Darts Championship, it’s hard to look past Justin Hood. In one breathtaking night at Alexandra Palace, Hood didn’t just win a match — he announced himself on the biggest stage and took a huge step closer to a lifelong dream that goes well beyond the oche.
Hood produced a performance that left fans, pundits, and even his opponent shaking their heads in disbelief. Facing Josh Rock, the world number 11 and a proven winner for Northern Ireland, Hood was widely seen as the underdog. But that script was completely torn up. What followed was a stunning 4–0 whitewash, delivered with confidence, composure, and remarkable precision.
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An average of 101.18 was posted, but the real headline was his finishing. Eleven doubles were hit without a single miss, an extraordinary run that had Ally Pally buzzing. History was almost rewritten entirely, too. When Hood stepped up with match darts in hand, perfection was within touching distance. Four darts were missed, allowing Rock a brief moment of resistance, but it was only a delay. The match was eventually sealed with a classy 119 checkout, ending one of the most dominant displays the tournament has seen.
By the time the final dart landed, £100,000 had already been secured, booking Hood’s place in the quarter-finals and guaranteeing his biggest payday in the sport so far. More importantly, it brought him closer to a very personal ambition. Hood has never been shy about his dream of opening a Chinese restaurant, and after the match he cheekily asked the crowd, “Who wants a Chinese?” The response said it all.
What makes the story even more compelling is the journey behind it. Not long ago, Hood was working nights as a hotel porter. That job was given up to chase darts full-time, a gamble that clearly has paid off. His personality has made him a fan favourite — from the tongue-out celebration to the shirt lift revealing his belly, every walk-on now feels like an event. Nicknamed “Happy Feet,” a nod to a teenage moment involving borrowed oversized shoes, Hood has embraced the theatre of darts as much as the competition.
Standing at just 5ft 4in, Hood might not look like a typical sporting giant, but on this stage he has towered over expectations. With former world champions potentially waiting in the next round, the challenge will only get tougher. Still, one thing is already clear: Justin Hood’s incredible night has changed his life, and the menu for that future Chinese restaurant may already be taking shape.
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