Two of darts' rising stars found themselves at the centre of controversy during the UK Open tournament, requiring referee intervention to cool tensions after their match descended into a heated confrontation. World Championship quarter-finalists Charlie Manby and James Hurrell, both having reached the last eight at Alexandra Palace earlier in the season, clashed not just on the oche but verbally in a fiery exchange that marred their encounter at the Butlin's Minehead Resort.
Fiery Exchange Mars UK Open Match
The atmosphere turned increasingly tense as Manby, nicknamed 'Champagne Charlie', approached the board to throw his match-winning darts. Hurrell, known as 'the Hillbilly', responded by putting his fingers in his ears and pulling exaggerated faces, clearly attempting to distract his opponent. When Manby successfully hit double four to secure a 6-4 victory, Hurrell continued his antics, grimacing and laughing in a manner that appeared to mock the triumphant player.
Referee Intervention Required
As Manby collected his darts from the board, the two players exchanged words that triggered an increasingly loud confrontation. With both competitors facing off and voices raised, tournament officials had no choice but to intervene. A referee stepped between the players, persuading Manby to leave the stage area to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The crowd's reaction only intensified the drama, with numerous fans shouting "Come on Charlie" in support of Manby, which seemed to aggravate Hurrell even more. As Hurrell left the stage to audible boos and whistles from spectators, Manby turned back to the crowd and celebrated with a defiant fist pump, drawing even greater cheers from his supporters in the arena.
Manby's Post-Match Explanation
Following the incident, Manby provided his perspective on what transpired between the two competitors. "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 was it really. There's no friends on the oche."
The 41-year-old bricklayer turned darts prodigy defended his right to express himself during competition, stating: "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."
Not Manby's First Controversial Encounter
This incident marks the second time Manby has been involved in dramatic on-stage moments during his breakthrough season. During his Alexandra Palace debut earlier in the year, Manby defeated Scottish darts favourite Cameron Menzies in an exciting match that concluded with Menzies famously pounding his drinks table with his fists, cutting his hand open in the process and leaving both Manby and the entire Palace crowd stunned.
Manby's victory over Hurrell at the UK Open, often referred to as the "FA Cup of darts," continues his impressive rise through the ranks of professional darts. Having reached the World Championship quarter-finals before being defeated by eventual finalist Gian van Veen, Manby has been widely tipped to become one of the sport's next major stars.
Hurrell, who reached the same stage at Alexandra Palace but lost to Ryan Searle, currently holds the World No. 50 ranking. Some observers suggested Hurrell's ear-plugging gesture might have been directed at the Minehead crowd rather than Manby personally, as many spectators were vocally supporting his opponent throughout the match.
