Darts star in tense altercation at UK Open – ‘there aren’t any buddies on the oche’
Charlie Manby and James Hurrell had to be separated by a referee following a heated confrontation at the UK Open after Hurrell’s provocative gestures
James Hurrell and Charlie Manby had to be separated(Image: X/wadeydarts)
Darts stars Charlie Manby and James Hurrell required intervention after their heated UK Open darts encounter.
Manby, who advanced to the quarter-final of the World Darts Championship before falling to eventual finalist Gian van Veen, faced off against Hurrell in the opening stage of the “FA Cup of darts”. Hurrell, who enjoyed his own remarkable run at Ally Pally by similarly reaching the quarter-final, seemed to wind up the darts sensation.
When ‘Champagne Charlie’ approached the oche to throw his three match darts, Hurrell could be observed placing his fingers in his ears whilst making faces. As Manby struck double four to clinch a 6-4 triumph, the 41 year old kept grimacing, whilst chuckling. However, Manby didn’t appreciate Hurrell’s antics.
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It’s conceivable Hurrell was frustrated with the supporters at Minehead, many of whom were backing Manby to prevail. For whatever motive Hurrell had his fingers in his ears, Manby was clearly displeased with the World No.50. The duo traded words as Manby retrieved his darts from the board. In the footage, it’s challenging to determine precisely what was uttered.
Nonetheless, whatever remarks were exchanged between the pair, it sparked an explosive response from both competitors. As the duo confronted each other and became increasingly vocal, a referee was forced to intervene to encourage Manby to depart.
As tensions escalated, numerous spectators could be heard chanting “Come on Charlie,” which only served to irritate Hurrell further. As Hurrell, known as ‘the Hillbilly’, departed the stage amid audible jeers and whistles, Manby turned back towards the board and celebrated with a triumphant fist pump, prompting even louder applause from the audience.
“I just don’t think he was happy with me giving it the biggun when there’s a lot riding on it,” Manby explained. “I am mates with Jammo sat on his table for ProTours and get on really well with him. He were giving it to me back. That were it really. There’s no friends on the oche.
“If I want to give it the biggun, I’ll give it the biggun. There’s no restrictions to that. You’ve got loads of people out there giving it the biggun as well. My fans, his fans, just as much as each other.”
This wasn’t the first occasion drama has surrounded Manby on the oche. During his Alexandra Palace debut, Manby defeated Scottish darts favourite Cameron Menzies in a thrilling encounter.
As the young Englishman moved to congratulate Menzies, the Scotsman notoriously began hammering his drinks table with uppercuts, cutting his hand open in the process and leaving Manby and the entire Palace crowd bewildered.
