World No. 86 Justin Hood, 32, Eyes Chinese Restaurant Dream with £1 Million Ally Pally Win – Says His ‘Thick’ Nature Gives Him an Edge!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Dream Journey
• Maintaining Composure
• Prize Money
• Business Aspirations

MINI MAN Justin Hood humorously claims that “being a bit slow” is assisting him on his Ally Pally journey as he aims for a £1 million banquet.

However, the world No. 86 worries that his dream of owning a Chinese restaurant might lead to failure – primarily because he indulges too much in the delectable Asian cuisine.

Justin Hood is relishing a remarkable run at the World Darts ChampionshipCredit: EPA

Rookie Hood, 32, is living the dream as he prepares for round three on Monday afternoon.

The unheralded star from Somerset eliminated No. 6 seed Danny Noppert 3-2 in the second round with a 103.01 average and believes that not being academically inclined works to his advantage.

As the shortest player remaining in the tournament, Hood was asked how he manages to maintain his composure during his debut appearance.

He chuckled: “Being a bit slow helps.

“It’s just a game. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing here or at the local pub.

“If I perform well, I can win. If I don’t, I’ll still have chances. I just need to capitalize on them.

“I’ve defeated Danny a couple of times this year on tour. I’ve also beaten Gary Anderson and James Wade.

“No one is superior to anyone else up there. It all comes down to the day. We can all average 100, and we can all average 90.

“I can win it. It’s that simple. If I average 103 in every match, it will be tough to beat me. I believe I can.

“I want everyone to talk about me. I want everyone to recognize how talented I am – and I’m starting to prove it now.

“I thrive in the spotlight. I perform much better on stage than off it. The crowds give me a significant boost.

“I dream of that world final and lifting that trophy.”

Hood has earned £35,000 in prize money so far for reaching the Last 32 – previously, he had accumulated just £39,750 over two years on the PDC Tour.

However, his Ally Pally earnings would increase to £60,000 if he manages to get past Meikle in the best of seven sets.

Fueled by crispy duck, dumplings, and spring rolls, Hood aspires to use his winnings to open a Chinese restaurant, but he is concerned that the potential business might go bankrupt.

Known as Happy Feet, Hood remarked: “I haven’t properly examined the finances yet.

“We might be out of business in a week, given the amount of food I consume!

“I wanted to stay in London over Christmas because the Chinese restaurants around here are exceptional. I love eating it all the time.”