In one of the most breathtaking displays of finishing ever witnessed at the PDC World Darts Championship, debutant Justin Hood delivered a sensational 4-0 whitewash over 11th seed Josh Rock in their last-16 clash on December 30 at London’s Alexandra Palace. The 32-year-old Englishman, competing in his first full season on the PDC tour, etched his name into the record books by hitting **11 consecutive doubles** without a miss, breaking the previous PDC mark and leaving fans and pundits alike in utter disbelief.
Hood’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary from the outset. He set the tone immediately, breaking Rock’s throw in the opening set with an 11-darter that showcased his clinical precision. As the match progressed, Hood’s doubling became the stuff of legend—he pinned every single one of his first 11 attempts at double, building an unassailable lead while Rock, a pre-tournament favorite tipped for deep runs and even Premier League contention, could only watch in growing frustration. By the time Hood led 3-0 in sets and 2-0 in the fourth, he was still perfect on doubles, with the Ally Pally crowd roaring in appreciation of the unfolding magic.
The drama peaked in the final set. Hood had chances to extend his streak to a perfect 12/12 and seal the match on double 16, but he narrowly missed. Undeterred, he returned in the next leg to nail a stunning 119 checkout, clinching victory and sparking wild celebrations. Overall, Hood posted a superb 101 average, hammered 10 maximum 180s, and demonstrated composure far beyond his underdog status.
In his on-stage interview, a beaming Hood downplayed the fairy-tale narrative surrounding his run, insisting on his self-belief: “It’s not a fairytale – I know what I can do and it’s nice to prove it up there.” He admitted to feeling the pressure only late in the contest: “The only time I had a bit of nerves was when I was throwing the leg before [the last one]. I’m not used to this. I usually get hate messages. This is mad.” Reflecting on his doubling prowess, he added with a grin that he was aware of the streak as it appeared on the screen, turning nerves into fuel for one of the greatest finishing exhibitions in World Championship history.
Hood’s remarkable journey to this point has captured the imagination of darts fans everywhere. Having sacrificed everything to earn his Tour Card at Q-School earlier in the year—spending all his savings on an extended hotel stay in Milton Keynes while he and his wife previously worked grueling night shifts in a warehouse—the Glastonbury native has now knocked out seeded players like Danny Noppert and now Rock, alongside strong challengers such as Ryan Meikle and Nick Kenny. Reaching the quarter-finals guarantees him a career-best payday of at least £100,000, bringing him tantalizingly close to a long-held personal dream: opening his own Chinese restaurant.
When asked post-match if the prize money had finally made that ambition a reality, Hood laughed and confirmed: “I think we’re there. I don’t think I have a choice now. I think we’re there now.” In a light-hearted moment, he even invited the roaring Ally Pally crowd to visit once it’s open, promising a warm welcome amid the euphoria.
For Josh Rock, the defeat was a bitter blow. The talented Northern Irishman, known for his heavy scoring and rapid rise, had breezed through earlier rounds but simply had no answer to Hood’s relentless accuracy on the outer ring. Rock graciously applauded his opponent at the end, but the loss ends his hopes of a maiden World Championship title and raises questions about his consistency under the brightest lights.
This upset adds to the chaos of an already unpredictable tournament, where seeds have tumbled and newcomers have thrived. Hood’s quarter-final berth sets up potential blockbuster clashes further down the line, with the likes of defending champion Luke Littler and resurgent veterans still in contention. At just 5ft 4in and armed with unshakeable belief, Hood has proven that size and experience mean little when your finishing is this lethal.
As the championship heads into the new year with quarter-finals on January 1, Hood’s story embodies the magic of darts—where hard work, sacrifice, and a hot streak on doubles can turn an outsider into a hero overnight. Whatever happens next, his record-breaking display against Rock will be replayed and remembered for years to come, a shining example of why the World Championship remains the pinnacle of the sport.
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