BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events at the World Darts Championship, Charlie Manby has secured his place in the last 16 by defeating Ricky Evans 4-2 at Alexandra Palace. The 20-year-old bricklayer from Huddersfield is now guaranteed a staggering £60,000 payday after overcoming early struggles.
The match unfolded dramatically, with both players initially locked in a close contest. It wasn’t until the score reached 2-2 that Manby found his rhythm, capitalizing on Evans’ unexpected drop in form. After a shaky start, where he landed only four of his first 30 double attempts, Manby stated, “It was frustrating. I should have taken the first set, simple as that. I missed doubles, but at first to four there is a lot of time, so I think I recovered well and got my confidence back.”
Now, Manby faces a formidable challenge against European champion Gian van Veen, who breezed into the last 16 with a 4-1 victory over Latvia’s Madars Razma. Manby expressed excitement about facing Van Veen, saying, “I like Gian, I like the way he plays, quick and young player. He’s doing well but so am I. I’m just waiting for my A-game to come. I’ll be here all the time if my A-game comes.”
In another stunning upset, Kevin Doets, ranked 40th in the world, triumphed over 15th seed Nathan Aspinall in a nail-biting 4-3 match. Doets showcased extraordinary resilience by coming from behind three times before clinching victory in the deciding set, marking his sixth consecutive win against Aspinall.
Despite Aspinall’s brilliant 170-finish to snatch the fifth set, Doets retaliated with a remarkable 164-checkout to level the match at 3-3. He maintained his momentum, dominating the final set 3-0, and now prepares to meet reigning champion Luke Humphries in the next round.
Meanwhile, Justin Hood also advanced to the fourth round in his tournament debut by defeating Ryan Meikle 4-1. Hood, who previously averaged an impressive 103 against fifth seed Danny Noppert, opened a commanding 3-0 lead before Meikle fought back with finishes of 146 and 147 to take the fourth set. Hood’s next opponent will be either Josh Rock or Callan Rydz.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Manby and his potential showdown against Van Veen. With stakes high and excitement building, fans are eager to see if the young star can maintain his momentum and deliver another stunning performance.
The World Darts Championship continues to captivate audiences with unexpected twists and thrilling matches, making it a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts everywhere.
