MANBY: “IT GOT TO MY HEAD A BIT AFTERWARDS”

By Aaron Nijjar 

A NEW rising star in darts has turned heads – by annihilating a record not even Luke Littler could get close to.  

Charlie Manby put in a sensational performance at last week’s PDC Development Tour. 

The teenager produced a three-dart average of 130.70 during a 4-0 win over Patrick Williams.  

Manby, raced to the whitewash victory, with his worst leg of the four consisting of just 13 darts. 

The 19-year-old’s outrageous average smashed the reigning Development Tour record of 120.24. 

That record was previously owned by three players – Bradley Brooks, Geert Nentjes and Owen Bates.  

He told The Express: “I knew I was throwing well but I never expected that when the game was done, to see an average of 130. 

“I think even when I finished the game it didn’t all hit me until everything started blowing up. 

“It was a great moment when I actually realised about my average and the record. 

“It’s a great stat to have, and I’m really proud of myself for doing it.” 

Manby’s average also eclipsed the best thrown by Littler, 18, during his Development Tour days. 

The reigning World champion Littler’s best performance was 115.22. 

Despite his sublime average, Manby failed to win on the day.  

He was beaten by rival Bates 5-2 in the final. 

He added: “Maybe the average got to my head a bit straight afterwards. 

“But I don’t think it had much to do with me losing the final. Owen played very well.” 

Littler has previously faced Manby, with the pair going head-to-head in the 2023 Isle of Man Classic Youth final.  

‘The Nuke’ came out on top, claiming a 5-1 victory before his monumental rise. 

Manby credits Littler with darts gaining huge popularity among kids – and says there is an influx of talent coming through the ranks. 

He continued: “The reason they’ve started playing and got better is because of Littler doing what he did. 

“He’s been great for the game, and now kids want to start you so they can do it early.”