Darts sensation Charlie Manby has made quite the impact on the darting world over the past few months – and he’s now opened up on his latest move
“It’s changed a lot,” Charlie Manby admitted, pausing briefly to reflect when asked about his lifestyle.
Not long ago, ‘Champagne’ was a name known only within hardcore darts circles. But after a memorable introduction on the Alexandra Palace stage over the winter, the Wakefield thrower has thrust himself into the spotlight.
“I stopped working, so that’s a big difference,” Manby told Daily Star Sport. “It’s a completely different lifestyle now. You’re not getting up and grafting for eight hours a day – you’ve got more time.”
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Manby was still working as a bricklayer when he headed down to London in December, but he announced himself in style by dispatching Cameron Menzies on the sport’s biggest stage.
He popped the cork on debut in a clash overshadowed by Menzies’ furious outburst, before going on to claim the scalps of Adam Sevada and Ricky Evans to set up a quarter-final showdown with Gian van Veen.
The Dutchman proved a step too far, but Manby’s Ally Pally run was quickly backed up by securing a Tour Card at Q-School – and he has now taken the next step by signing with Target Darts.
“It’s great. I think it’s the right move for me and I can’t wait to get fully involved, enjoy the journey and see where it takes me,” he said.
James Tattersall, Group CEO at Target Darts, added: “Charlie is an exceptional talent and one of the most exciting young players in the sport.
“His humility, work ethic and ambition match what we want to achieve at Target. We’re honoured to support him with the world’s best equipment and help take his game to another level.
“He showed during the World Championships that he has superstar potential – we can’t wait to see what he’ll go on to achieve.”
The 20-year-old now finds himself alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Luke Littler, Phil Taylor, Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock.
A personal dart range is also set to follow later this year, but Manby remains grounded.
“I just want to climb the rankings and give myself a good chance of retaining my Tour Card comfortably — that’s the main aim,” he said.
“I’d also like to qualify for some of the majors. If I can win the Development Tour or finish top, that’d be a nice bonus as well.”
To find out more details about Charlie Manby and his upcoming Target Darts product release in September, please visit: https://www.target-darts.co.uk/blog/welcome-to-team-target-charlie-manby