Joe Cullen’s first meeting with Mensur Suljovic since their heated World Darts Championship clash carried a sense that unfinished business still lingered between the two players. When they stepped back onto the oche at a Players Championship event, memories of the December controversy had not fully faded, and even a quiet exchange picked up by the stage microphones hinted that tensions remained just beneath the surface.
The dispute began at Alexandra Palace, where Suljovic defeated Cullen 3–1 in a tense second-round encounter. Cullen reacted angrily to what he believed was deliberate slow play and disruptive behaviour during the match, later describing his opponent’s conduct as “cheating” in comments that quickly spread across the darts world. His frustration was clear both in the immediate aftermath of the defeat and in the days that followed, as debate intensified over whether Suljovic’s rhythm crossed the line from personal routine into gamesmanship.
Suljovic firmly rejected the accusation. Known throughout his career for a measured and methodical pace at the board, the Austrian insisted that his timing and mannerisms were simply part of how he plays the game. He maintained that he had never tried to influence a match unfairly and suggested there was no personal hostility toward Cullen, even describing him positively despite the public criticism. Still, the clash of opinions ensured the story became one of the most talked-about moments of the championship, with fans and pundits divided over where competitive psychology ends and unsporting conduct begins.
Their reunion on the Players Championship stage therefore drew significant attention. Suljovic once again had the upper hand, producing a composed performance to secure a convincing 6–2 victory that featured clinical finishing and steady scoring. Yet the result itself was not the only talking point. During the post-match handshake, Suljovic delivered what sounded like a playful but pointed remark, telling Cullen he could “play normal.” The comment, light in tone but loaded with context, was widely interpreted as a cheeky reference to the earlier cheating accusation.
Moments later, Cullen was heard making a subdued response linked to their previous disagreement, an exchange that suggested the tension between them had not entirely disappeared. While there was no dramatic confrontation, the brief verbal interaction added another chapter to a rivalry that has developed as much through emotion and narrative as through results on the scoreboard.
Across the sport, reactions to the ongoing storyline have been mixed. Some observers argue that differences in tempo are a legitimate part of darts, with each player entitled to a personal rhythm so long as the rules are followed. Others sympathize with Cullen’s frustration, noting how pacing and timing can influence concentration, confidence, and ultimately performance. The situation has sparked broader discussion about mental pressure in elite darts and how psychological factors can shape high-stakes matches just as strongly as scoring ability.
What makes the Cullen–Suljovic dynamic particularly compelling is the contrast in personalities and styles. Cullen’s quicker, more expressive approach stands in sharp opposition to Suljovic’s deliberate calm, creating a natural tension whenever they share a stage. Add the backdrop of public accusations and pointed remarks, and even routine encounters between them now feel charged with extra significance.
Despite the passage of time and another completed match, the sense of rivalry appears unresolved. Their latest meeting blended dominant play, subtle humour, and lingering irritation—an unusual combination that continues to capture the attention of fans. Each future encounter will likely be watched closely, not only for the darts themselves but for any hint of how the relationship between the two players evolves.
For now, the story remains open-ended. Whether the tension fades into mutual respect or reignites with the next meeting is uncertain. What is clear is that whenever Joe Cullen and Mensur Suljovic stand opposite each other again, the history between them ensures the moment will carry far more meaning than a standard match on the tour.
Leave a Reply