Luke Littler has addressed the growing controversy surrounding allegations of “cheating” that erupted during the World Darts Championship, stepping into a heated debate that has dominated conversation away from the oche at Alexandra Palace.
The issue arose following a tense second-round clash in which Mensur Suljovic defeated Joe Cullen. After the match, Cullen went public with his frustration, accusing Suljovic of deliberately slowing the pace of play and describing the approach as “not darts.” His comments, posted shortly after his defeat, quickly spread across social media and sparked a fierce discussion among fans and fellow professionals about gamesmanship, rhythm, and what constitutes fair play.
Cullen did not hold back in his assessment, insisting that the manner in which the match was played crossed a line. His remarks ignited strong reactions, with some supporters backing his stance while others argued that managing tempo has always been part of the sport.
Suljovic, however, strongly rejected the accusation. The Austrian maintained that his routine and timing are simply part of how he plays and denied any suggestion of intent to disrupt his opponent. He stressed that he was focused purely on his own performance and expressed respect for Cullen, dismissing the idea that his actions were designed to gain an unfair advantage.
With Suljovic set to face Luke Littler in the next round, attention quickly turned to the reigning world champion and how he would respond to the controversy. Littler, still only 18 but already one of the sport’s biggest figures, opted for a calm and measured approach.
Speaking after his own convincing straight-sets victory earlier in the tournament, Littler played down the claims entirely. He made it clear that he does not view Suljovic’s style as cheating, describing it instead as a personal routine that helps the Austrian feel comfortable on stage. Littler acknowledged that different players have different rhythms and that what unsettles one opponent may have no impact on another.
“It’s not cheating,” Littler explained. “That’s just how he plays. He flicks his flight until he feels settled. Joe felt like it slowed him down, but that’s his opinion.”
Littler also revealed that the upcoming meeting with Suljovic had been predicted well before the tournament reached this stage. According to the teenager, Suljovic had sent him a brief message ahead of the championship saying, “See you in round three.” With both players winning their opening matches, the prediction proved accurate and added an ironic twist to the unfolding drama.
Rather than being drawn into the argument, Littler emphasised that his focus remains firmly on his own game. He admitted he had not paid close attention to Suljovic’s pace during previous matches and suggested that concentrating on external factors can be a distraction at the highest level. His comments reflected a maturity beyond his years and highlighted why he has adapted so quickly to life at the top of the sport.
The controversy has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already eventful World Championship. The tournament has seen major upsets, emotional moments, and intense crowd reactions, reinforcing its reputation as the most demanding stage in darts. While debates over etiquette and tempo are not new, the public nature of this dispute has ensured it remains one of the most talked-about moments so far.
As Littler prepares to face Suljovic, the spotlight will be firmly on both players. For some fans, the match represents a chance to see whether the alleged slow play becomes a factor again. For others, it is simply another test for a young champion determined to defend his title.
One thing is certain: Littler has made his position clear. He is uninterested in off-stage drama and unwilling to label an opponent’s style as cheating. Instead, he is focused on letting his darts do the talking, as the World Championship moves toward its decisive stages.
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