Who is Charlie Manby? Meet the 20-year-old darts player who just smashed Luke Littler's record on development tour

The 20-year-old from Yorkshire stunned the sport in February when he fired a 130.70 average on the Winmau Development Tour, throwing just 47 darts.

It was the highest average the tour has ever seen and it smashed the previous record of 115.22, held by world champion and close friend Luke Littler.

The form returned in September when Manby battled through a 278-player field to claim his first Development Tour title. His run included tight wins over Beau Greaves and tour card holder Owen Bates, both decided in last-leg shootouts.

A month later, he pushed Littler to the limit in what many called one of the best matches in World Youth Championship history. Manby came within inches of victory, missing two darts for the match, including the bullseye on a 130 checkout.

Now he arrives at Alexandra Palace with momentum and belief as he prepares to face Cameron Menzies in the opening round. The match is first to three sets and far from straightforward, but Manby is looking forward to it.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think it's a good draw. He's fast-paced, same as me so hopefully it's a good game.

“It's a bit of a free shot this year, first time doing it. I don't look too far ahead so will just take it one game at a time. I think I'm just going to be myself, be normal.

“I don't want to put too much pressure on myself to do well and over-practice. I'm just going to do what I normally do leading up to it then maybe hit it hard a couple of days before and get ready for it properly.”

Away from the dartboard, Manby works a bricklayer for a construction firm in Huddersfield. He is signed with Zeal Sports and was first spotted throwing darts at his local working men’s club.

is first tournament came at just 12 years old, laying the groundwork for a career that is now stepping onto darts’ biggest stage.