Gary Anderson ousts Michael van Gerwen to reach World Darts Championship quarter-finals as Hood hammers Rock

Gary Anderson dispatched his great rival Michael van Gerwen to storm into the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship on Tuesday, as Justin Hood completed a remarkable whitewash of Josh Rock.

The final day of darting action in 2025 saw the Last 16 draw to a close at Alexandra Palace, as Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton and Krzysztof Ratajski completed the quarter-final line-up.

However, it was Anderson who stole the headlines by inflicting Van Gerwen’s earliest exit at the World Darts Championship for a decade.

The two-time World Champion won each of the opening two sets in deciding legs to establish a commanding lead, following up a 14-darter in the opener with a two-dart 78 finish to double his lead.

Van Gerwen halved the deficit with a sensational third set revival – averaging north of 116 in the process – only for Anderson to win six of the next eight legs to complete a memorable victory.

“Tonight was one of these games where I never felt comfortable up there,” admitted Anderson, despite averaging 99 and crashing in 11 maximums.

“The last time Michael beat me on this stage was when I was going for my third world title, so it was nice to get the win today.

“If I get to the final, then I’ve got a chance. If I don’t get there, then I’ve had a good run, but I’m happy with what I’ve done.”

Anderson will now take on the tournament’s surprise package Hood in the quarter-finals, after the debutant celebrated an astonishing straight-sets demolition of Rock earlier in the day.

Hood captured the hearts of the Ally Pally crowd with one of the best displays of finishing in World Championship history, pinning each of his first 11 darts at double to thrash the Northern Irishman.

Hood’s victory secures him a career-high payday of at least £100,000 and sees him rocket a minimum of 36 places to 50th in the live Order of Merit.

“My doubles were amazing there. Josh gave me some chances and I took them,” reflected Hood, who averaged 101.2 and sealed the deal with a 119 checkout.

“My scoring was amazing in practice but my doubles were a little ropey, so I had an hour focusing on doubles and it paid off!”

Humphries and Van Veen will also renew their rivalry in the quarter-finals, after overcoming Kevin Doets and Charlie Manby respectively to continue their bids to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Van Veen edged out Humphries to claim his maiden televised title in October’s European Championship, and is now eyeing a fifth consecutive win over the world number two.

Nevertheless, Humphries was imperious in his 4-1 success against Doets, averaging 103 and winning 12 of the last 14 legs to cap off a dominant display.

“I felt like I played well there,” declared Humphries – one of three World Champions left standing in the competition.

“I do feel like there is that next level with me which is important, because you are going to need that level in you to win the World Championship.

“The next round against Gian is going to be a great game of darts. I love him to bits, he is such a good player and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

Van Veen also ran out a comprehensive 4-1 winner against debutant Manby, averaging 98 to progress to a fourth televised ranking quarter-final of the year.

There was nothing to separate the pair after two sets, but Van Veen grew into the contest, producing 132 and 88 checkouts on the bullseye to clinch sets three and four respectively.

“My record against Luke is a confidence boost going into that game of course,” said Van Veen.

“Playing in a World Championship quarter-final is a different animal and I am going to be ready for that game.

“Hopefully I can bring my A-game because it is going to be necessary.”

Elsewhere, Polish number one Ratajski set up a showdown with reigning champion Luke Littler on New Year’s Day.

Ratajski advanced to his second World Championship quarter-final courtesy of a 4-2 success against Luke Woodhouse – who missed double 12 for a nine-darter earlier in the contest.

“It’s the biggest challenge you can imagine,” conceded Ratajski, who also reached the Last Eight in 2020/21.

“He’s the best player in the world, he’s the World Champion, but in sport, anything is possible!”

Clayton, meanwhile, ended the run of Swedish star Andreas Harrysson, recovering from 2-1 down to prevail 4-2 and book a meeting against Ryan Searle.

Harrysson landed a hat-trick of ton-plus checkouts to threaten a major upset, only to spurn seven darts to win the penultimate set, and Clayton duly capitalised to complete a comeback win.

“That meant everything to me. I haven’t been that nervous for a very long time,” said the Welsh number one.

“I’ve only just stopped shaking. What a player Andreas is – he’s such a nice guy and he pushed me all the way, but I’ve got a smile on my face.”

World Darts Championship 2025/26 Day 17 Results

Tuesday December 30

Fourth Round

Afternoon Session
Luke Woodhouse 2-4 Krzysztof Ratajski
Jonny Clayton 4-2 Andreas Harrysson
Justin Hood 4-0 Josh Rock

Evening Session
Gian van Veen 4-1 Charlie Manby
Michael van Gerwen 1-4 Gary Anderson
Luke Humphries 4-1 Kevin Doets