Darts star's girlfriend left 'absolutely gutted' after being blocked from watching World Championship win

Despite the triumph, Manby revealed his partner's absence cast a shadow over proceedings.

"My girlfriend's not here today. That was heartbreaking enough," he said following his victory.

"She was absolutely gutted."

The rising star did not hold back when discussing the circumstances that kept her away from the venue.

"I think it was a bit out of order to be honest," a frustrated Manby added.

His girlfriend works in administration at Ford's Huddersfield office and is also the daughter of Manby's employer.

She had been present at Alexandra Palace to witness his opening-round triumph against Cameron Menzies, when the newcomer first announced himself on the sport's biggest stage.

Her manager had previously granted her time away from work to support Manby during his unexpected run at the tournament.

However, the request proved too much on this occasion.

"Her manager has been good letting her have a couple of days off here and there but I think it was too much this time," Manby explained.

The darts rookie expressed his frustration at the timing, noting: "Like this happens often you know."

Manby now faces Gian van Veen in the fourth round, with a quarter-final berth and £100,000 in prize money at stake.

The Huddersfield thrower is determined to have his girlfriend by his side for tomorrow's crucial encounter.

"I'm going to try and make her," he declared.

Manby suggested her presence could prove pivotal to his chances of progressing further in the tournament.

"People don't understand especially him as a local lad supporting a local lad things might not work out the same if she's not here or not," he said.

The young bricklayer clearly believes having his partner in the crowd at Ally Pally makes a tangible difference to his performances on the oche.

While his girlfriend's absence left Manby disappointed, there was some comfort in finally having his 78-year-old grandfather in attendance.

The elderly relative had been unable to make the trip to north London for the first two matches of Manby's World Championship campaign.

"My grandad couldn't come the first two times and he's come today," Manby said.

"He struggles a bit, but at the end of the day I wanted him to come more than anyone else."

The young thrower acknowledged the challenge of managing ticket requests during his fairytale run at the tournament.

"At the end of the day it's who I want there and I have a lot of close family and friends who want to come," he reflected.