Justin Hood, a 32-year-old darts player from Glastonbury, has emerged as a captivating figure in the World Darts Championship after a stunning upset against world number six Danny Noppert. Hood triumphed 3-2 in a dramatic sudden-death leg, showcasing exceptional form with averages of 104.10 and 100.29 in the opening sets of his debut year at the prestigious event.
Hood’s memorable victory was amplified by his unconventional on-stage persona. After securing the first set, he engaged in a peculiar celebration, rubbing his nipples through his shirt before blowing a kiss and sticking out his tongue directly at the camera. This unique display quickly garnered attention and endeared him to a growing fanbase.
The darts world has embraced Hood’s vibrant personality, with reigning world champion Luke Littler notably praising him on social media. Littler shared a photo of Hood’s post-match interview, captioning it with affectionate emojis, highlighting the instant connection Hood forged with fellow professionals and fans alike.
During his impressive performance against Noppert, Hood maintained a stellar average of 103.01, landed 11 maximum 180s, and achieved a respectable 42.86% success rate on his doubles. He attributed his composure under pressure to a sense of simplicity, joking that “being a bit thick helps.” Hood stressed that in darts, the distinction between players is often less significant than perceived.
Hood, who has previously defeated top players like Gary Anderson and James Wade on tour, expressed his belief that the talent gap at the highest level is not as vast as often portrayed. He emphasized that consistent high averages are achievable for many, and success on any given day hinges on execution and seizing opportunities.
Despite his significant win over Noppert, Hood humorously downplayed its importance compared to a casual victory at his local pub, where he secured a Jagerbomb as a prize. He also revealed his ambitious post-tournament plans, expressing a desire to open a Chinese restaurant with fellow professional Luke Humphries, contingent on reaching later rounds of the championship and securing prize money.
Looking ahead, Hood is set to face Ryan Meikle in the third round on December 27th. He remains confident in his ability to go all the way and lift the trophy, stating, “I can win it. It’s as simple as that.” He believes that maintaining his current high level of performance will make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the competition.
Prior to his clash with Noppert, Hood had already made an impression by defeating Nick Kenny 3-0 in his opening match, celebrating that victory by baring his midriff. His subsequent win and candid remarks have solidified his status as one of the most talked-about characters in this year’s World Darts Championship.
