Justin Hood reveals change that inspired incredible World Championship victory and sealed his Chinese dream

Justin Hood has now sealed enough prize money to fulfil his dream of opening a Chinese restaurant.

The shock newcomer has defied belief of the darting world throughout his maiden PDC World Championship campaign.

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A new fan favourite, Hood scored the biggest win of his tungsten career, as he whitewashed 11th seed Josh Rock, leaving him with barely a sniff.

Hood has already guaranteed himself £100,000 in prize money, and he will shoot up the PDC Order Of Merit.

But more importantly to the cheeky and charismatic Somerset native, he can fulfil his dream of opening a food chain in the new year.

The 32-year-old had suggested as soon as he began his run to the quarter final stage that it was his dream and he’d even roped former world champion Luke Humphries into his project.

And after reaching new heights in his career, he now believes he has earned enough to do exactly that.

He told talkSPORT: “I think it is done now. I have a few people who want to do it.

“I have got enough money now, and I’m hoping if I reach the final, we can do it after that.

“If I win it, I will probably get five of them. It’s not over yet either, I will enjoy each game.”

Hood has now become a cult hero of the Palace, and received incredible support while up on stage delivering a masterclass in scoring and finishing.

Rock was simply blown away and the surprise package’s name has now been blown into the stratosphere.

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The key change which inspired Justin Hood’s World Championship run

Hood qualified for the tournament via Q-school getting his maiden tour card, having previously worked as a hotel porter.

But after his sensational run, he decided to quit his job and pursue life as a full-time darts player.

It was a gamble which has clearly paid off for Hood, who used his life savings to pursue his dream, and he has now regenerated his fortune with his current feat.

And now he believes the key to his sharp rise in form has been putting in the hours on the practice board.

He said at the press conference: “It’s been laziness this year. I was doing half an hour practice this year.

“But in the last six weeks, I’ve been putting a lot of time into practice, four or five hours a day and it’s paying off.

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“Next year, I will be doing it every day. Watch out. Fingers crossed you will see better than this, there’s a lot more in there.”

Hood’s victory now puts him in the top fifty of the world, a remarkable achievement which he will no doubt use to spur him on in 2026.

And he added to talkSPORT: “It’s nice to hear [in top 50 of the world].

“But I just need to keep going now and see if I can go all the way.”

Hood will face the winner of Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals.