UPDATE: In a stunning upset, Charlie Manby triumphed over Ricky Evans with a score of 4-2 at Alexandra Palace, securing his place in the last 16 of the World Championship. The 20-year-old bricklayer from Huddersfield has not only made headlines but is also guaranteed a lucrative £60,000 payday following his impressive performance.
Manby faced early challenges, struggling with doubles against an inconsistent Evans. However, he leveled the match at 2-2, capitalizing on Evans’ sudden decline in form. “It was frustrating. I should have taken the first set, simple as that,” Manby remarked. “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.”
Next, Manby will take on European champion Gian van Veen for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. Van Veen advanced easily with a 4-1 victory over Latvia’s Madars Razma earlier on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in another thrilling match, world number 40 Kevin Doets delivered a shocking performance by defeating 15th seed Nathan Aspinall in a nail-biting 4-3 finish. Doets fought back from behind three times, ultimately winning the deciding set 3-0 to set up a last-16 clash with reigning champion Luke Humphries.
Aspinall showcased a dazzling 170-finish to claim the fifth set, but Doets responded with a remarkable 164-checkout to keep the match alive. This victory marks Doets’ sixth consecutive win against Aspinall, cementing his rising status in the tournament.
Debutant Justin Hood also made headlines by advancing to the fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Ryan Meikle. Although Hood did not replicate his previous match’s stellar performance, where he averaged 103 against fifth seed Danny Noppert, he managed to secure a commanding lead of 3-0. Meikle fought back with impressive finishes of 146 and 147, but it was not enough.
Hood’s next challenge will be against either Josh Rock or Callan Rydz, who are also vying for a spot in the quarter-finals. Hood averaged 94.68 during this match, connecting on just 13 of 40 attempts at doubles.
The stage is set for an electrifying continuation of the World Championship, with fans eagerly awaiting the next rounds. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds at Alexandra Palace.
