MANBY WARNS RIVALS HE WILL RISE TO THE TOP

CHARLIE MANBY has warned the field that he will be a mainstay in PDC major events if his A-game clicks into gear.

‘Champagne Charlie ‘defeated Ricky Evans 4-2 to reach the last 16 at Ally Pally despite averaging 89.50 and missing 39 darts at double.

The 20-year-old has shown bags of potential on his debut at the World Championship and highlighted his power scoring by firing in 11 maximums in the contest.

Manby admits his finishing wasn’t up to scratch but remains confident in his abilities.

He said: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I’m feeling it all now.

“The doubles were frustrating me – I should have taken the first set! It’s as simple as that but I recovered quite well.

“Ricky’s a funny character, but you could see his [demeanor] changing.

“You learn a lot but I showed I got a lot a lot of bottle after my first game, while the second game was quite easy.”

Manby has already turned heads on the Development Tour, finishing an impressive fourth in the Order of Merit this year.

The Huddersfield thrower currently holds the Dev Tour record for the highest single-match average, hitting a staggering 130.70 in February 2025 against Patrick Williams.

Manby has set up a fourth-round clash with Gian van Veen and warns the rest of the field to be on high alert.

If Manby were to prevail against the Dutchman, he would secure a Tour Card for the 2026-27 campaign and a whopping £100,000 in prize money.

He added: “Gian is doing well but at the same time, so am I.

“I’m waiting for my A-game to come. Then I will be here all the time.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.