Meet Justin Hood, the Rising Star of Darts with a Dream to Open a Chinese Takeaway

Justin Hood has become an overnight sensation at Alexandra Palace after his remarkable run to the quarter-finals, captivating the crowd with his ambition to open a Chinese takeaway. With a guaranteed minimum prize of £100,000, Hood's dream is now within reach. The 32-year-old made history by achieving a perfect 11 out of 11 doubles, a new PDC record, in his stunning 4-0 victory over Josh Rock in the fourth round. After the match, Hood asked the crowd 'who wants a Chinese?' and announced plans to open a new takeaway in 2026. 'I think we're there, I don't think I've got a choice in that, I think we're there now,' he said to the media. Hood, nicknamed 'Happy Feet' due to his carefree attitude and funny faces during matches, is one of the shortest players on the tour but has a larger-than-life personality. He worked as a night porter until November 2024, when he decided to pursue a PDC Tour card. 'I took the gamble, spent all our savings on a hotel in Milton Keynes for eight weeks, and it paid off,' he said. Hood's incredible run to the quarter-finals has been a surprise to many, but he believes his recent practice regimen has made all the difference. 'Laziness, I've been very lazy this year, I've done what I've always done, half an hour of practice a day and then turn up to the pro tours, do my three hours and play,' revealed Hood. 'The last six weeks I've put a lot of time on the board, four or five hours a day, and it's paying off, so next year I'm going to be doing it every day, watch out.' Hood will face two-time world champion Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals, but he remains confident and unfazed by the challenge. 'I don't worry about anyone, it doesn't matter if it's them two or someone who's just got their tour card. It's a game of darts. If I play like I can, I can beat them, if I don't, they'll beat me, but I'm confident I'll win,' he said. The stage is set for an exciting quarter-final matchup between Hood and Anderson, with the winner advancing to the next round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.