A NEW rising star in the world of darts has turned heads – by obliterating a record not even Luke Littler could get close to.
Charlie Manby put in a phenomenal performance at last week’s PDC Development Tour.
Manby, 19, produced a three-dart average of 130.70 during a whitewash win over Patrick Williams.
The teenager raced to the 4-0 victory, with his worst leg of the four consisting of just 13 darts.
Manby’s outrageous average smashed the reigning Development Tour record of 120.24.
That record was previously owned by three players – Bradley Brooks, Geert Nentjes and Owen Bates.
Manby told The Express: “I knew I was throwing well but I never expected that when the game was done, to see an average of 130.
“I think even when I finished the game it didn’t all hit me until everything started blowing up.
“It was a great moment when I actually realised about my average and the record.
“It’s a great stat to have, and I’m really proud of myself for doing it.”
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Manby’s average also eclipsed the best thrown by Littler, 18, during his Development Tour days.
The reigning world champion’s best performance was 115.22.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Furious Luke Littler launches darts case in anger as he leaves Premier League Darts stage after defeat to bogey opponent” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369113320112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Despite his incredible average, Manby failed to win on the day.
The 19-year-old was beaten by rival Bates 5-2 in the final.
He added: “Maybe the average got to my head a bit straight afterwards.
“But I don’t think it had much to do with me losing the final. Owen played very well.”
Littler has previously faced Manby, with the pair going head-to-head in the 2023 Isle of Man Classic Youth final.
The reigning world champion came out on top, claiming a 5-1 victory before his dramatic rise.
Manby credits Littler with darts gaining popularity among kids – and says there is an influx of talent coming through the ranks.
He continued: “The reason they’ve started playing and got better is because of Littler doing what he did.
“He’s been great for the game, and now kids want to start you so they can do it early.”