Rising Star Charlie Manby Unapologetic Following Heated Confrontation With James Hurrell At UK Open

Darts star Charlie Manby refuses to apologize for "no friends on the oche" mindset after a fiery UK Open exchange with James Hurrell in Minehead.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 6:12 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Dartsnews

Minehead Tournament Marred by Post Match Confrontation

The typically festive atmosphere of the UK Open took a sharp turn toward the confrontational on Friday afternoon during an intense clash on the outer boards. Charlie Manby, a rising figure in English darts, secured a hard-fought 6-4 victory over compatriot James Hurrell, but the sporting result was quickly overshadowed by the behavior of both competitors. Following the final double, the two players engaged in a heated verbal exchange near the oche that necessitated intervention to prevent further escalation. While Manby continued to celebrate boisterously with the gathered spectators, Hurrell appeared visibly frustrated by the displays of gamesmanship that occurred during the closing legs of the match.

Unfiltered Response to Sportsmanship Criticisms

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Manby addressed the tension during a broadcast interview with ITV4, where he refused to offer any apologies for his conduct. The young Englishman suggested that his opponent’s reaction was primarily a result of the high-octane celebrations he utilized to maintain his momentum. According to Manby, the friction stemmed from his decision to engage heavily with the crowd, a tactic he refers to as giving it the big one. He maintained that while the optics of the exchange were poor, his primary focus remained on securing the win rather than managing the emotional state of his opponent during the heat of competition.

Distinction Between Professional Rivalry and Personal Ties

One of the more complex aspects of the dispute is the existing relationship between the two players on the professional circuit. Manby admitted that he and Hurrell are generally on friendly terms away from the cameras, often sharing space at ProTour events. However, he was quick to draw a definitive line between personal friendship and professional duty. The player famously remarked that there are no friends on the oche, emphasizing a ruthless competitive philosophy where social ties are discarded once the match begins. This mindset is increasingly common among the younger generation of players who view the stage as an arena where psychological dominance is as vital as scoring accuracy.