Overview
- Anderson won 5–2 at London’s Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day, pulling away after 2–2 to take the final three sets.
- He averaged 98.61, hit 45% on doubles, produced a 161 checkout, and sealed the match with his fifth dart at double-6.
- Hood averaged 92.9 as his surprise debut run ended after upset wins over Danny Noppert and Josh Rock, a surge that had lifted him to around No. 50 in the Order of Merit.
- Prize money results followed: Anderson secures at least £200,000 and rises to live No. 6, while Hood leaves with £100,000 and a boosted profile.
- The two-time champion reaches his first world semifinal since 2022 and now awaits the winner of Luke Humphries versus Gian van Veen in the late session.