In a display that rewrote the history books, debutant Justin Hood achieved an unheard-of feat of 11 consecutive doubles, powering his way to a commanding 4-0 victory over Josh Rock in the last 16 of the elite World Darts Championship.
The 32-year-old, competing in his maiden season on the premier professional circuit, extended his sensational tournament run. His flawless doubling streak finally concluded when he was throwing to seal the match at 2-0 up in the fourth set. Unfazed, he composed himself to clinCH the victory with a spectacular 119 checkout in the following leg.
āThis isn't a storybook ā I know what I can do and itās nice to prove it up there,ā Hood remarked in his post-match interview. āThe sole moment I felt any pressure was on my throw the leg before the last. Iām not used to this. Ordinarily, I get negative comments. This is mad.ā
Hood sent an early message about his intentions by securing the opening set with an 11-dart break. This left the favored Rock, the tournament's number 11, powerless but watch in awe as Hood charged to victory, posting a formidable 101 average and firing in 10 maximum 180s.
This historic win guarantees the newcomer a career-best payday of at least £100,000 and brings him closer to his stated ambition of launching a Chinese restaurant.
In other third round action, Jonny Clayton solidified his ascent to fourth in the global rankings after mounting a comeback from a set down to defeat Andreas Harrysson 4-2.
The Swedish contender was made to regret for failing to capitalize on key opportunities, after establishing a 2-1 advantage and subsequently wasting four darts to regain a one-set lead at 3-2.
āA number of things on my mind and becoming world No. 4 was one of them,ā confessed Clayton. āWhenever I looked up, Andreas was hitting his doubles. It was a real battle; I didnāt play my top darts and had a lot of loose throws, but thatās what pressure does to you.ā
Joining them in the quarter-final stage is Krzysztof Ratajski, who found an extra gear in the closing phases to secure a 4-2 win over Luke Woodhouse, earning his spot in the elite last eight of the championship.
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James Shepherd
James Shepherd
James Shepherd
James Shepherd
James Shepherd