PDC World Darts Championship: Mensur Suljovic denies slow play ‘cheat’ claim from Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen says rival Mensur Suljovic’s slow style of play is akin to cheating after being knocked out of the PDC World Darts Championship in 32nd place.

Austrian Suljovic denied using any special tactics in his second-round success.

“I would never do this as a provocation,” the 53-year-old actor said. “I’m just doing this for my game. I’m sorry Joe, I would never do that; I love you, man.”

England’s Cullen won the first set but lost the next three sets, including taking a 2-1 lead in the fourth set, to become the 11th seed eliminated.

Addressing the way Suljovic slowed down the game, Cullen said in his post about X: “If this is darts, I want no part of it.

“I’ve always loved Mensur away from the board but this was for all to see! I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. The former guard will say it’s part of the game but call it what you want; this is cheating. This is not darts.”

After the match, the 36-year-old shook his head as he looked at the Austrian, who picked up his dart bag and celebrated his victory in front of the crowd.

The PDC does not have a specific, timed rule regarding the pace of play, but deliberately slow play with the intention of disrupting the opponent is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and a possible rules violation.

Suljovic is next in line to take on defending champion Luke Littler, who will face David Davies on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, 2018 champion and 17th seed Rob Cross managed to avoid a deciding set against Ian White by winning a tense encounter 3-1.

Krzysztof Ratajski advanced to the third round by beating Ryan Joyce 3-1, while Luke Woodhouse passed Max Hopp with consecutive wins.