Darts sensation Charlie Manby shot into the history books with an astonishing 130.70 average, shattering Luke Littler’s previous record and leaving the darts world, including fellow pro Beau Greaves, utterly stunned. This unbelievable performance marked a pivotal moment in Manby’s rapid ascent, leading him from a development tour player to a PDC tour card holder and a recognized name on the professional circuit.
The Day History Was Rewritten: Manby’s Record-Breaking Average
Before his memorable run at Alexandra Palace, Charlie Manby had already etched his name into darts history. In February 2025, during the Winmau Development Tour 4 event, Manby delivered a performance that defied belief. Facing Patrik Williams, the young talent needed just 46 darts to secure a dominant 4-0 victory.
His precision was staggering, with leg scores of 13, 10, 11, and 12 darts respectively. This incredible display culminated in an unprecedented 130.70 average, a score that not only secured his win but also obliterated the previous record held by none other than darts prodigy Luke Littler. It was a moment that sent shockwaves through the darts community, highlighting Manby’s immense potential.
From Development Tour to Alexandra Palace: Manby’s Memorable Debut
Months after his record-breaking feat, Manby continued to impress on the biggest stage. At the 2025/26 World Darts Championship in December, the then 20-year-old made a spectacular debut at Alexandra Palace. His journey through the tournament was nothing short of remarkable, as he showcased his talent by defeating seasoned players:
- Cameron Menzies
- Adam Sevada
- Ricky Evans
This impressive run saw him reach the Last 16, a phenomenal achievement for a debutant. His campaign eventually ended at the hands of Gian van Veen, who would go on to be the tournament’s runner-up, proving Manby’s ability to compete with the best.
The Disbelief Was Real: Beau Greaves’ Reaction and Manby’s Focus
The impact of Manby’s 130.70 average wasn’t just felt in the record books; it resonated deeply with his fellow professionals. Speaking on Huw Ware’s podcast, Manby recalled the unforgettable reaction of current Women’s World Matchplay champion, Beau Greaves.
“When I did it, I remember like Beau Greaves were on the table and she said, ‘is that real’ and I said ‘Course it’s real! It’s not going to be fake is it!’” Manby recounted, perfectly capturing the sheer astonishment of the moment.
Manby himself admitted to his own initial disbelief: “I couldn’t believe it, but not straight away.” Despite the monumental achievement, his focus remained sharp. He knew he was still in a tournament and had a bigger goal in mind: “I knew I had a tournament to win because that was like the last-64 and I’d never won a Dev tour before so the main thing was winning one. I wanted to keep focused but it was quite hard while there was this massive thing going on!”
A Star Transformed: Manby’s Rapid Ascent in Professional Darts
The record-breaking performance served as a powerful catalyst for Charlie Manby’s career. Since that pivotal moment, his journey in professional darts has been nothing short of meteoric:
- He bravely quit his day job to pursue darts full-time.
- He successfully secured a coveted PDC Tour Card holder, solidifying his place among the elite.
- His talent attracted major attention, leading to a prestigious sponsorship deal with Target Darts.
- Manby has made significant appearances on the highly competitive European Tour stage, gaining invaluable experience.
Currently, Charlie Manby holds the 83rd position on the PDC Order of Merit and is ranked 46th in the race to the Players Championship finals later this year. His story is a testament to dedication, raw talent, and the thrilling unpredictability of professional darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
