Rising darts sensation Charlie Manby has had an extraordinary year, rapidly ascending to professional status and making waves on the Pro Tour. A highlight of his impressive journey includes reaching the last 16 of the PDC World Championship, securing a coveted tour card. But perhaps his most talked-about achievement is a unique victory over darts legend Gary Anderson – a win made even more remarkable by the fact that Manby accomplished it using Anderson’s very own darts. This young talent, nicknamed “Champagne,” is now setting his sights on major titles and climbing the world rankings.
Charlie Manby: From Prodigy to Professional
Huddersfield’s own Charlie Manby has experienced a meteoric rise in the darts world over the past 12 months. His exceptional talent saw him quickly turn professional, marking the beginning of what many predict will be a glittering career in the sport.
A Breakthrough at the World Championship
Manby’s journey took a significant leap forward at the most recent PDC World Championship. His impressive performance saw him battle through to the last 16, a feat that earned him a highly sought-after PDC Tour Card. Following this success, Manby officially turned professional in January, ready to compete with the sport’s elite.
During the December competition, Manby showcased his skill by defeating notable opponents:
- Cameron Menzies
- Adam Sevada
- Ricky Evans
His remarkable run eventually concluded against the eventual runner-up, Gian van Veen, but not before leaving a lasting impression on the darts community.
Facing the Giants: Learning from the Best
Despite his young age, “Champagne” Manby has already found himself on the oche against some of the world’s best darts players. These encounters, even if not in front of roaring crowds, have been invaluable learning experiences for the burgeoning star. He has faced formidable opponents such as the legendary Michael van Gerwen and the iconic Gary Anderson.
The Unbelievable Win: Beating Gary Anderson with His Own Darts
One particular match against Gary Anderson stands out, not just for the victory, but for its extraordinary circumstances. Manby recounted the unusual encounter:
“I played Gary shortly after facing Michael; I beat Gary. That was before I signed with Target, and I was using Gary Anderson’s darts.”
This revelation highlights a fascinating moment in Manby’s early career. Before securing his own sponsorship with a darts manufacturer, Manby was using equipment that belonged to one of his biggest opponents. He admitted to feeling a touch of awkwardness about the situation:
“I felt a bit bad, not in a bad way, just that I feel bad on tour throwing someone else’s darts, but I know a few other people that do it as well.”
This unique victory not only showcased Manby’s skill but also added an intriguing anecdote to his burgeoning reputation.
Future Ambitions: Aiming for the Top
With his professional career now underway, Manby has clear goals for the future. He is focused on continuous improvement and climbing the ranks of the professional darts circuit.
His short-term aspirations include:
- Consistently qualifying for European Tours
- Gaining more invaluable experience on stage
Looking further ahead, Manby envisions a future where he is a regular contender at the highest level:
“Hopefully in a few years I’ll be qualifying for the majors and climb up the world ranking.”
Manby frequently participates in Players Championship events, honing his skills against top competition. His best performance in recent months saw him reach the quarter-finals in Leicester, demonstrating his consistent progress and potential to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
