Charlie Manby has opened up on his heated clash with James Hurrell at the UK Open back in March, revealing the exchange that sparked the confrontation. Speaking to Harry Durham for talkSPORT, Manby recalled the incident that saw officials step in to separate the pair after Hurrell sealed a 6-4 third-round win on the outer boards, with boos ringing around the arena.
Manby, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, admitted his celebration after going 2-1 up and breaking throw riled Hurrell. “When I went 2-1 up and broke throw, I celebrated because I thought it was deserved. I needed to get that emotion out,” Manby said. “He then said, ‘We’re giving it the big one, are we?’ So after that I barely celebrated for the rest of the game. Afterwards he said, ‘We’re meant to be mates, what’s with the big one?’ But it’s a major tournament. You’ve got no friends on the oche. You’re allowed to show emotion on stage.” When asked if Hurrell’s reaction was because Manby is young, he replied: “Maybe. I don’t know if he says the same thing if it’s Gezzy or Michael van Gerwen doing it.”
Manby also discussed growing up with Luke Littler, admitting he always knew Littler was special. “There were loads of tournaments where me and Luke would end up playing each other in finals. What he’s done for the sport is unbelievable,” Manby said. “I always knew he was special, especially when I played for England with him when I was 16 or 17. I didn’t think it would happen this quickly, but I knew he was going to go far. That England team was unbelievable, me, Luke, Thomas Banks and Archie Self, and we’re all still playing now.” However, Manby conceded he was no match for Littler as a youngster: “He was miles ahead of everyone. I played him loads of times and I don’t think I ever beat him in singles.”
Reflecting on his own achievements, Manby recalled averaging 130.70 on the Development Tour, a feat that even surprised Beau Greaves. “Not really. You know when you’re playing well, but I didn’t realise the numbers were that high. Beau Greaves actually came up to me afterwards and said, ‘Is that real?’ That’s when I realised how big it was.” On his World Championship debut, Manby said he believed he could win the tournament. “You’ve got to think like that. You have to go into every game believing you can do it. There were moments where I thought, ‘Imagine if I really do this,’ but at the same time that’s the mindset you need if you want to go far.” He also addressed the Cameron Menzies incident, downplaying any tension: “I get on really well with Cammy. He’s a great guy and just full of energy. He actually reached out to me the following week to check everything was alright between us. Fair play to him because he handled everything really well.”
