In the electric atmosphere of the PDC World Darts Championship at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, a second-round matchup turned into high drama when two seasoned professionals became embroiled in a heated exchange that required official intervention. The contest pitted England’s Joe Cullen, known for his aggressive style and passionate performances, against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic, a veteran nicknamed “The Gentle” for his composed demeanor but infamous for his deliberate pace on the oche.
The match itself was a tale of contrasting styles and mounting frustration. Cullen stormed into an early lead, claiming the first set with his trademark power scoring. However, Suljovic, at 53 years old and drawing on decades of experience, steadily clawed his way back. He leveled the sets and then pulled ahead, capitalizing on Cullen’s missed doubles to secure a 3-1 victory. This win propelled the Austrian into the third round, where a blockbuster clash with defending champion Luke Littler loomed on the horizon.
But the real fireworks erupted after the final dart was thrown. As Suljovic celebrated his triumph, the customary handshake quickly soured. Cullen, visibly seething, leaned in during their embrace and unleashed a barrage of words. Suljovic responded with a laugh, brushing off the intensity, but Cullen wasn’t done. As he began to exit the stage, he paused, turned back, and fixed his opponent with an intense stare while Suljovic engaged with the roaring crowd of over 3,000 fans.
Throughout the encounter, tensions had been simmering due to Suljovic’s playing rhythm. He took extended pauses before starting legs, lingered on celebrations after winning them, and methodically retrieved his darts from the board. At one point, Cullen was caught on camera mouthing “hurry up” in exasperation. The referee, Kirk Bevins, stepped in during a set, approaching Suljovic after he wandered to the side of the stage following a leg victory. Bevins appeared to urge him to speed up the retrieval of his darts, ensuring the game flowed without unnecessary delays.
The post-match fallout spilled onto social media, where Cullen didn’t hold back. He posted: “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! I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way. The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will – it’s CHEATING! That’s not darts.”
Commentators on Sky Sports captured the raw emotion in real time. One noted the glaring stares and muttered, “Joe Cullen, not very happy about them at all. He will not be happy with the results either.” Another added context to the rivalry of styles: “You talk about clash of styles, you talk about drama. Joe Cullen saved it all to the end. He didn’t appreciate what was going on, but that’s what you get when you play Mensur Suljovic. That’s what he does. It’s no surprise to anyone.”
Suljovic, addressing the media afterward, seemed bemused by the backlash. “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. Sorry Joe, never do this. I love him, man.” He elaborated further, explaining his routine: “I wait maybe 40 seconds before first dart, but some guys [gestures throwing motion] and my head [gestures almost being hit]. This is not okay.” When pressed on whether he’d apologized to Cullen personally, he firmly stated: “Never have I ever said sorry to Joe Cullen in person. I play on that stage, what’s his problem? I say sorry, maybe, to the referee maybe, but for Joe Cullen? Never.”
This incident highlights the psychological warfare inherent in professional darts, where pace and rhythm can be as crucial as scoring power. Suljovic’s methodical approach has long been a hallmark of his game, helping him disrupt opponents’ flow and maintain focus under pressure. For Cullen, it crossed into unfair territory, echoing debates in the sport about gamesmanship versus outright disruption.
The World Darts Championship, with its raucous crowds and high stakes, often amplifies such rivalries. Fans packed into Ally Pally witnessed not just a match, but a spectacle of raw emotion that underscores why darts captivates millions. As Suljovic advances, potentially toward a showdown with the teenage sensation Littler, questions linger about whether this feud will linger or fade. For Cullen, the early exit stings, but his outspoken stance has sparked wider discussions among players and pundits about the fine line between tactical play and unsportsmanlike conduct.
In a sport where mental fortitude is paramount, moments like these remind everyone that beneath the arrows and averages lies intense human drama. The championship continues to deliver unforgettable theater, proving once again why it’s one of the most thrilling events on the sporting calendar.
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