Full Breakdown
Joe Cullen Accuses Mensur Suljovic of Cheating at World Darts Championship
12/22/2025, 7:03:26 AM
Match Overview and Accusations
During the second round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, Joe Cullen faced Mensur Suljovic in a highly contentious match that ended with Suljovic winning 3-1. Following the defeat, Cullen publicly accused Suljovic of "cheating," citing the Austrian's slow pace of play and prolonged celebrations as disruptive to the game. Cullen expressed his frustration on social media, stating, "If that's darts, I don't want no part of it! Always liked Mensur away from the board, but that was plain for all to see! The old guard will say it's part of the game but word it how you will - it's CHEATING! That's not darts."
Match Dynamics
Cullen began the match strongly, winning the first set without dropping a leg. However, as the match progressed, Suljovic's methodical approach began to unsettle Cullen. The referee, Kirk Bevins, intervened at one point, seemingly warning Suljovic about his slow pace and lengthy celebrations. Despite this, Suljovic maintained his style, ultimately sealing the victory on double 10 after Cullen missed two crucial darts that could have forced a deciding set.
Suljovic's Response
In the aftermath, Suljovic responded to Cullen's accusations, stating, "I don't know, what's his problem? I give him missed doubles, everything. I like Joe Cullen, a very nice guy. I never ever play slow. I do it only for my game. I'm never doing this for him." He expressed confusion over Cullen's anger, emphasizing that his approach was not intended to provoke his opponent.
Criticism and Analysis
The incident has sparked discussions within the darts community regarding the nature of gamesmanship. Commentators noted that while Suljovic's slower pace is well-known, it is not explicitly against the rules of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Glen Durrant, a former champion, remarked that Suljovic's tactics were part of his strategy and did not break any rules. He suggested that Cullen's frustration may have stemmed more from his own performance than Suljovic's behavior.
Official Statements and Reactions
Cullen's social media post drew significant attention, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the controversy. Some supported Cullen's perspective, arguing that Suljovic's tactics disrupted the flow of the game, while others defended Suljovic, citing the lack of explicit rules against slow play in darts. The Darts Regulation Authority's guidelines mention that excessive delays could be considered gamesmanship, potentially leading to referee interventions.
What's Next
With this victory, Suljovic advances to the next round, where he may face reigning world champion Luke Littler, provided Littler defeats David Davies in his upcoming match. The fallout from this match may continue to influence discussions on player conduct and the unwritten rules of sportsmanship in darts.
