The world of professional darts recently witnessed a heated exchange between two notable players, Joe Cullen and Mensur Suljovic, following Cullen’s defeat in the PDC World Darts Championship. In a match where tensions flared, Cullen, the 11th seed, accused his opponent Suljovic of playing slowly, likening it to cheating. This statement arose after Cullen seemed to have the upper hand by winning the first set but ultimately lost the match 3-1 to Suljovic, who is ranked 32nd in the tournament.
Cullen’s claims painted Suljovic’s deliberate pacing as a tactic used to undermine his performances. After the match, Cullen took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing his displeasure: “If that’s darts, I don’t want no part of it,” alluding to Suljovic’s methodical style of play. He further indicated that many shared his sentiments within the darts community and categorized it as unsportsmanlike, emphasizing that “it’s cheating. That’s not darts.” His comments reflect an underlying tension regarding the acceptable pace of play, a long-debated topic within the sport.
In response to Cullen’s allegations, Suljovic, a seasoned player at 53 years old, firmly rejected the notion that his slower style was a deliberate ploy to provoke opponents. He stated, “I never ever do this as a provocation. I do it only for my game. Sorry Joe, I never do this – love you man.” His defense underscores the complexities of the sport, where the pacing of play can dramatically influence the mental state and performance of both competitors.
The post-match atmosphere was charged; Cullen was seen visibly upset, shaking his head while collecting his darts, directing a glare at Suljovic, who celebrated his victory jubilantly in front of an audience that had come to witness the thrilling encounter. It’s worth noting that while the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) doesn’t enforce a specific rule for play pace, deliberate slow play aiming to disrupt an opponent is viewed as unsportsmanlike conduct and is subject to a potential breach of rules.
Following this incident, Suljovic is slated to compete against defending champion Luke Littler, who is set to face David Davies in the evening matches of the tournament. Additionally, the competition has seen notable performances, including the 2018 champion Rob Cross, who narrowly edged out Ian White in a close 3-1 contest. Other matches featured Krzysztof Ratajski sealing his place in the third round with a 3-1 victory over Ryan Joyce, while Luke Woodhouse achieved a smooth win against Max Hopp, advancing without the need for a deciding set.
As the PDC World Darts Championship progresses, the discourse surrounding slow play and its impact on the game intensifies. Players, fans, and analysts alike are keenly observing these developments, as they shape the competitive landscape of darts. The ongoing discussions prompted by Cullen and Suljovic’s match highlight the balance between game strategy and maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship, an essential element of darts that resonates within its dedicated fanbase.
In the world of professional darts, where precision and mental acuity are paramount, maintaining the integrity of the game while also respecting the unique play styles of individual athletes remains a pressing and contentious issue. As the championship unfolds, both players and spectators will be watching closely to see how the PDC addresses the criticisms of gameplay, ensuring that the spirit and excitement of darts continue to thrive.
