LUKE LITTLER’S pal Charlie Manby stunned 26th seed Cameron Menzies by dumping him out in the first round of the World Darts Championship on his Ally Pally debut.
Menzies had edged a even first set but an error-strewn display saw him miss a number of darts at double to consolidate his lead and Manby eventually levelled the scores.
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Charlie Manby stunned Cameron Menzies at the World Darts Championship in the first roundCredit: Reuters
Menzies put in an error-strewn display before losing his head after his defeatCredit: PA
An animated Menzies then returned to form as he took out a double 16 to take a 2-1 lead.
But Manby, 20, roared back as he capitalised on more missed darts from Menzies to level it up after taking his own double 16.
An excellent 120 checkout left Manby a chance to throw for the match – and he eventually sealed a fairytale win despite missing four match darts.
Menzies then lost his head after the shock defeat as he punched a table in frustration.
Sting in the tail
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Manby, a star on the Development Tour, is nicknamed Champagne Charlie and he can enjoy some of that after the best result of his life.
He said: “It was absolutely amazing. It’s not just me who has been up there today. It has been all them lot there, who have been with me.
“I can’t thank them enough. I did what I did. A lot behind the scenes has come from them.
“When I won the first set, I settled a lot. It was a good feeling that going in and being settled on a stage where I have never played before.
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“I tried to keep calm, go up there and get it over and done with. It’s not as easy it looks.
“This is 100% hands down the greatest thing I have ever done in darts.”
While the spotlight will deservedly shine on Manby after his incredible victory, Menzies found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after his defeat.
As Manby went to celebrate his win, Menzies began repeatedly punching a drinks table, knocking off a bottle of water before walking off stage.
Menzies has now gone out in the first round for two years’ running.
He lost 3-1 to American star Leonard Gates and broke down in tears towards the end of the match.
Unbeknown to the fans, Menzies had been in an emotional state because his dad Ricky had been ill in hospital in the build-up.
