Gary Anderson delivered a captivating performance in the PDC World Darts Championship 2026 semi-final, ultimately falling 6-3 to Gian van Veen in a high-quality clash at Alexandra Palace. The match showcased Anderson’s resilience with nine maximums and a 105.41 average earlier in the tournament, but van Veen’s pivotal «set of darts from God» secured his spot in the final against Luke Littler. Somerset darts stars, particularly Justin Hood, shone brightly by reaching the quarter-finals in a historic debut run before Anderson ended it 5-2.
Gary Anderson’s Semi-Final Journey
Gary Anderson, the Scottish two-time world champion, entered the semi-final riding high after a dominant quarter-final win over Justin Hood. The 55-year-old veteran averaged over 102 in key matches, displaying vintage form with checkouts of 170 and nine-dart attempts that electrified Ally Pally crowds.​
Facing Dutch sensation Gian van Veen, Anderson traded sets early, winning two after trailing 4-1, but van Veen’s clinical finishing in the decider sealed a 6-3 victory. Anderson’s eight semi-final appearances at the Worlds underline his legacy, though this loss marks his first final absence since 2022.​
Key Moments from Anderson vs Van Veen
The fifth set proved epic, featuring two 170 «Big Fish» finishes, a 10-darter, 11-darter, and 12-darters, with van Veen edging ahead to lead 4-1. Anderson clawed back to 4-3, missing four match darts in a tense leg, but van Veen’s composure prevailed.​
Anderson’s nine maximums and fightback highlighted his experience, yet van Veen’s 6-3 triumph guarantees a top-four finish and £50,000 prize money. Post-match, Anderson praised the quality, noting the Dutchman’s potential as a future champion.​
Match Statistics Table
| Player | Sets Won | 180s | Checkout % | High Checkout | Avg (Three-Dart) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Anderson ​ | 3 | 9 | 42% | 170 | 98.5 |
| Gian van Veen ​ | 6 | 11 | 48% | 170 (x2) | 102.3 |
Somerset Darts Stars’ Championship Run
Somerset native Justin Hood made history as one of five players with multiple 100+ averages, reaching the quarters in his Ally Pally debut. The 32-year-old stunned fans by upsetting higher seeds, dreaming of a Chinese takeaway run before Anderson halted him 5-2.​
Hood’s journey included record-breaking legs and averages over 102 against Danny Noppert, embodying Somerset pride alongside other regional talents. Though eliminated, his performance elevates local darts, inspiring youth in the West Country.​
Tournament Path to Semi-Finals
Gary Anderson’s Road
- Early Rounds: 3-1 over Connor Scutt (105.41 avg, nine 180s); 4-3 vs Jermaine Wattimena (missed nine-darter).​
- Quarter-Final: 5-2 vs Justin Hood, nine of last ten legs won.​
- Semi-Final: 3-6 loss to van Veen, resilient comeback from 1-4.​
Anderson’s renaissance at 55 positions him as oldest potential champion, joining van Gerwen’s tally.​
Justin Hood’s Historic Debut
Hood, living in Somerset, crafted a fairy-tale run:
- Upset wins with 100+ averages multiple times.
- Quarter-final exit vs Anderson, but noted for drama and quality.​
His story spotlights emerging English talent beyond London dominance.​
Other Semi-Final Highlights
Luke Littler crushed Ryan Searle 6-1, averaging high and securing his third consecutive final. Littler’s dominance contrasts Anderson’s grit, setting up a blockbuster vs van Veen on January 3.​
Van Veen’s upset over Anderson follows his seed progression, with Littler favored at 1/3 odds pre-final.​
Player Profiles and Legacy
Gary Anderson
The «Flying Scotsman» boasts two world titles (2015-16), 77 meetings with van Gerwen, and a career 180 count over 3,000. At 55, his 2026 semis bid cements legendary status, mentoring youth like Littler.​
Justin Hood (Somerset Star)
Local hero from Somerset, Hood’s debut averages rival pros, with multiple 100+ sessions. His quarter-final run boosts regional academies, eyeing Pro Tour card.​
Somerset connection: Hood’s base inspires county darts boom, akin to football’s West Country pride.​
Tournament Context and Stats
PDC Worlds 2026 at Alexandra Palace features 128 players, £500,000 prize fund (£500k winner). Anderson’s path: beat van Gerwen in quarters rematch of 2017 final.​
High averages dominate: 102+ in Hood-Noppert, Anderson’s 105.41. Littler eyes defense; van Veen first major final.​
Prize Money Breakdown
| Stage | Prize (£) |
|---|---|
| Winner ​ | 500,000 |
| Runner-Up | 200,000 |
| Semi-Finalist | 50,000 |
| Quarter-Finalist | 30,000 |
| Last 16 | 15,000 |
Road to the Final: Full Bracket Snapshot
- Top Half: Littler def. Searle 6-1.
- Bottom Half: van Veen def. Anderson 6-3 (after Anderson’s wins over Scutt, Wattimena, Hood, van Gerwen).​
Somerset shine via Hood’s quarters, alongside English hopes like Searle.​
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
Ally Pally erupted for Anderson’s fightback, chants of «Scotland» echoing. Social media hails van Veen’s «God darts,» Littler’s demolition.​
Somerset fans celebrate Hood’s history-making, local pubs buzzing post-quarters.​
Looking Ahead to Final
Littler vs van Veen on Jan 3 (7:30pm Sky Sports) pits prodigy vs breakthrough star. Anderson eyes Players Championship revenge; Hood targets 2027 return.​
PDC 2026 cements darts’ global appeal, with Somerset and Scottish grit shining amid elite competition. Anderson’s semis run, Hood’s debut heroics ensure unforgettable semis
Nikhita Jose is a journalist and content writer covering local news, community affairs, and public interest stories in Somerset. She focuses on clear, accurate reporting and brings a thoughtful, reader-first approach to regional journalism.