PDC Daily Dose: Gary Anderson &#8216;wasn&#8217;t himself&#8217;, Luke Humphries sends warning, star responds to retirement question

Dec 31, 2025 - 08:30

The quarter-final line-up is set for the PDC World Championship, and it was a turbulent day full of ups and downs.

Tuesday’s tungsten magic at Ally Pally saw round four quickly pass us by, with some of the sport’s biggest names in action on stage in two bumper sessions.

Michael van Gerwen during defeat to Gary Anderson at PDC World Championship — Van Gerwen was sent packing in a surprise defeat on Tuesday evening

Justin Hood headlined the afternoon session with a stunning 4-0 upset victory to continue his fairytale on debut in darts’ hallmark competition.

Johnny Clayton and Krzysztof Ratajski secured their place in the quarter-finals with both matching their best at the tournament, and the latter set to meet defending champion Luke Littler next.

In the evening session, young prodigy Gian Van Veen continued his run by ending Charlie Manby’s rise, while world No.1 Luke Humphries cruised through after an early scare, beating Kevin Doets 4-1.

And in the huge latest instalment of an epic rivalry, Gary Anderson defeated three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen in a 4-1 thriller.

On talkSPORT’s PDC Daily Dose column, we will take a look at the big events, and bring exclusive reaction from the players to the ups and downs at the oche.

Van Gone

Unfortunately for Van Gerwen, his mission of securing a fourth world title and bouncing back from last year’s final heartache is over.

He came up against a high-scoring former world champion in Anderson, who has shown some glimpses of his best so far in his own bid for the Sid Waddell trophy.

And it was the ‘Flying Scotsman’ who delivered the killer blow, scoring a 4-1 victory, averaging 99.1 in the process to take out the No.3 seed.

When reacting to the victory, Anderson wasn’t as convinced and told talkSPORT: “I just didn’t feel right.

“I’m used to big scores, big finishes, but me and Van Gerwen weren’t at it, I wasn’t myself up there.

It was heartbreak for ‘Mighty Mike’ who failed to replicate last campaign’s run to the final[/caption]

Gary Anderson during PDC World Championship win over Van Gerwen — Anderson didn’t feel he set the oche alight, but he was far more clinical than the Dutchman

“And I don’t think he settled up there. It didn’t feel like it was as good up there, I’m sure Michael would say the same, rubbish.

“The doubles went in at the right time, but I felt like my scoring was off. It’s a strange old game.

“I have seen the averages after we finished and I was quite surprised.”

Luke-at me, I’m better now

Humphries avoided a repeat of his scare against Gabriel Clemens last time out in his 4-1 victory over Kevin Doets.

The Dutchman had looked strong early on in the match, but ultimately came up short with ‘Cool Hand’ going through the gears.

It has been a period of strong form for the 2024 title holder, who will now come up against Dutch sensation Gian Van Veen.

Humphries has big plans and has fired a real warning to other competitors[/caption]

And he has warned all of his upcoming rivals that he feels he is in better shape to pick up the title, than he was when he first snatched the crown.

He told talkSPORT: “When I won the World Championship in 2024, I was in good form and last year I wasn’t.

“This year I haven’t won any majors at the back end, I feel like I’ve been better than in 2024 and 2025.

“I do feel like I’m in a better place now. I expect myself to get to the final. Gian will be a big test, but I’ve won it before but I know what to do. There’s no guarantees though.

“I want to be two-time world champion, everyone talks about the money but I’m focused on the trophy, it gives you a euphoric feeling.

“Last year I wasn’t playing good enough, but this year I feel like I am, but I need to perform the best I ever have on TV for the final three matches.”

Clay-ming a place

Clayton has his eyes on the Sid Waddell trophy but also looks to have sealed his place in the Premier League[/caption]

Jonny Clayton looks to have taken another step closer to securing place in the 2026 Premier League with victory over Andreas Harryson.

The Welshman was forced to work hard to claim a 4-2 victory, which spelled an end to Harryson’s dream of securing a PDC Tour card, which he would have done with victory.

After his win that takes him into the quarter finals, he has now risen to No.4 on the PDC Order of Merit.

And in an interview with talkSPORT, he revealed he would be excited to feature in the elite competition next year, but focus must remain on his campaign.

He said: “Obviously it is in my mind. I’m not trying to think about it, but it’s always in my mind.

“I love the tournament and I have done alright in it, so I’d love to be back in it.

“I have a couple of pups behind me such as Gian Van Veen, but I’m an old cat and I’m trying my best.

“I want to win this tournament that’s one thing, but we all know how it works.”

On the prospects of retirement, he replied: “I enjoy the buzz on the stage so as long as I’ve got that, I’ll be here for a while.”

Good in the Hood

Hood is turning heads with every dart he throws, in a frighteningly good end to his first year on the PDC tour[/caption]

Hood was simply breathtaking during his seismic upset against Josh Rock and stole Tuesday’s show in north London.

The Somerset double-hitter went 11 out of 11 on the outer ring before finishing to a match-ending percentage of 75 per cent.

It saw him whitewash Rock 4-0, who many had tipped to go beyond Hood and into the latter stages of the competition.

His breathtaking display has left his name on the tip of the arrowing world’s tongues, and he has now climbed into the top 50 on the PDC Order of Merit.

But he believes it is just the start, having fulfilled his dream of now having enough money to buy a Chinese restuarant.