Charlie Manby, the rising darts star from Huddersfield, has made the bold decision to leave his bricklaying job and pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional darts player. After a remarkable breakthrough season securing a PDC Tour card and a multi-year sponsorship with Target Darts, Manby has broken into the world’s top 100. He’s now adapting to the self-discipline required for professional life and aims to make a significant impact at the upcoming World Championships.
The Bold Leap: From Bricklaying to the Oche
Huddersfield’s own Charlie Manby has officially traded his trowel for darts, confirming he has stepped away from his bricklaying career to fully commit to professional darts. This pivotal career move comes after a stellar breakthrough campaign that saw him secure a coveted PDC Tour card and land a multi-year sponsorship deal with Target Darts, a major player in the sport. This transition marks the beginning of his journey as a dedicated, full-time professional.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Year of Breakthrough
Over the past 12 months, Manby has truly made his mark, impressing fans and pundits alike with his undeniable potential. His consistent performances have not only caught the eye of the darts community but have also propelled him into the top 100 of the world rankings. This rapid ascent highlights his talent and dedication, setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport.
Adapting to the Pro Lifestyle: Discipline is Key
While becoming a full-time professional was always Manby’s dream, he admits the transition from a physically demanding construction job to the self-disciplined world of professional darts has been a significant adjustment. “It has taken a bit of getting used to,” Manby shared. “You can get lazy, but you’ve got to get yourself up, get yourself on the practice board and treat it like an actual job.” This insight reveals the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level, emphasizing the need for rigorous practice and self-management.
“Champagne” Manby’s Tournament Highlights
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Champagne’, Charlie Manby has competed in numerous Players Championship tournaments, consistently challenging top players. His most notable performances this year came in Leicester, where he impressively reached the quarter-finals twice. During these events, he faced tough opposition, suffering defeats against seasoned professionals Ryan Searle in Players’ Championship Seven and Joe Cullen in Players Championship Eight. These experiences against elite players are crucial for his development and demonstrate his ability to compete at a high level.
Eyes on the Grand Prize: The World Championships
This year is monumental for Manby as he prepares to tackle the World Championships as a professional for the first time. Last year, he made a strong run, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual runner-up Gian van Veen. Now, with a full year of professional experience under his belt, Manby is determined to go even further. He plans to leverage all the lessons and insights gained from his professional journey to his advantage on darts’ biggest stage, aiming for a deeper run in the competition at the end of the year.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
