Overview
- Manby defeated Ricky Evans 4–2 on his Alexandra Palace debut, winning three straight sets and sealing the match on double 16.
- He will meet Gian van Veen in the last 16 after the Dutchman beat Madars Razma 4–1, with the winner set to face Luke Humphries or Kevin Doets.
- His run secures at least £60,000 in prize money, which would rise to £100,000 if he reaches the quarter-finals.
- The Huddersfield native remains a part-time bricklayer and says he has yet to show his ‘A game’ despite his progress.
- During a tense leg, referee Huw Ware coolly called a score of 40 after Evans claimed a treble, and Sky analyst Wayne Mardle later labeled Evans’ late-match conduct unprofessional.