BREAKING: Charlie Manby’s sensational run in the World Championship continues as he defeats Ricky Evans 4-2 at Alexandra Palace today, securing his spot in the last 16. The 20-year-old bricklayer from Huddersfield is guaranteed a staggering £60,000 payday following this impressive victory, overcoming early struggles with doubles.
The match was tightly contested until Manby rallied to level it at 2-2, capitalizing on Evans’ unexpected decline in form. Manby, who initially struggled with just four successful double attempts out of thirty, expressed relief post-match:
“It was frustrating. I should have taken the first set, simple as that. I missed doubles, but at first to four there is a lot of time, so I think I recovered well and got my confidence back.”
What’s next? Manby faces off against European champion Gian van Veen, who advanced by defeating Latvia’s Madars Razma 4-1 earlier. Manby commented on the upcoming match, saying, “I like Gian, I like the way he plays, quick and young player. He’s doing well but so am I. I’m just waiting for my A-game to come. I’ll be here all the time if my A-game comes.”
In another thrilling encounter, world number 40 Kevin Doets pulled off a stunning upset against 15th seed Nathan Aspinall, winning 4-3 in a nail-biting finish. Doets showcased perseverance by recovering from behind three times, with his decisive victory in the final set marking his sixth straight win over Aspinall.
Aspinall briefly regained momentum with a remarkable 170 finish in the fifth set, but Doets’ lethal 164 checkout in the sixth set ultimately leveled the match. Doets steamrolled to victory in the decider, winning 3-0.
Meanwhile, Justin Hood also advanced to the fourth round on his tournament debut, defeating Ryan Meikle 4-1. Hood started strong with a 3-0 lead before Meikle responded with finishes of 146 and 147 to take the fourth set. Hood will now face either Josh Rock or Callan Rydz in the next round.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches, particularly Manby’s clash with Van Veen, as fans eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling World Championship series!
