Tensions flare between Charlie Manby and James Hurrell at the UK Open
Things escalated during the UK Open as Charlie Manby clashed with James Hurrell following their third-round encounter in Minehead, with the referee required to intervene after Manby’s 6-4 victory, reports BritPanorama.
Both players had made notable progress at this year’s World Championship at Alexandra Palace, which added extra intrigue to their early-round matchup in what is often dubbed the FA Cup of darts. However, the match concluded with the two competitors facing off in a tense exchange that lingered for several minutes.
The confrontation commenced as Manby prepared to throw his final three darts. Hurrell’s antics, including sticking his fingers in his ears while making faces, seemed to provoke Manby, who was celebrating his younger rival’s enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
When Manby hit double four to clinch the victory, Hurrell continued his display, escalating the already heated atmosphere. It appeared that Hurrell might have been stirred up by the Minehead crowd, who were largely in support of Manby. Regardless, Manby’s reaction was resolute, and the situation intensified as both players exchanged heated words while collecting their darts.
Fans nearby began chanting “Come on Charlie,” further aggravating Hurrell as he left the stage to a chorus of boos. In stark contrast, Manby celebrated with the crowd, pumping his fist and eliciting cheers from the audience.
Afterwards, Manby addressed the altercation, suggesting that Hurrell was unhappy with his showmanship given the stakes involved. “I just don’t think he was happy with me giving it the biggun when there’s a lot riding on it,” Manby explained. He expressed camaraderie with Hurrell, noting their friendship off the oche, asserting that rivalries are part of the sport: “There’s no friends on the oche.”
The Huddersfield labourer is now set to face Ryan Joyce in the fourth round this evening.
