Suljovic Hits Back at Slow-Play Claims After Fiery Cullen Clash at World Championship “What’s his problem”
Suljovic Hits Back at Slow-Play Claims After Fiery Cullen Clash at World Championship “What’s his problem”
Mensur Suljovic refused to apologise following a tense and controversial end to his second-round victory at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, dismissing accusations that he deliberately slowed the pace of play during his clash with Joe Cullen.
The match ended amid visible frustration from Cullen, who was seen repeatedly checking his watch as he left the Alexandra Palace stage. The Englishman later took to social media to accuse Suljovic of gamesmanship, a claim the Austrian firmly rejected when speaking to the media afterwards.
“I don’t know what his problem is,” Suljovic said bluntly. “I miss doubles, I make mistakes — but I never do anything on purpose. That’s not correct.”
“I never play slow”
Asked directly whether he had intentionally altered his rhythm to disrupt his opponent, Suljovic was adamant that his actions were purely focused on his own game.
“No, no, no. I never play slow,” he insisted. “I never try to provoke anyone. I only do what is right for my game. I go up, I throw, I come back. That’s how I play — always.”
Despite the heated ending, Suljovic played down any personal animosity between the pair and stressed that he holds no ill will towards Cullen.
“I like Joe Cullen — he’s a nice guy,” he said. “It’s only a joke, really. Sorry Joe, honestly — I never do this on purpose. I respect him.”
However, when asked if he had offered a private apology backstage, the Austrian stood his ground.
“No,” he said. “Never. I play on the stage — what is the problem? Everyone plays different. This is my rhythm. I take my time for my first dart. That’s just me.”
Comeback win overshadowed by controversy
The flashpoint overshadowed what was otherwise a determined comeback performance from Suljovic, who recovered after falling behind early in the contest.
“Very nice, very nice,” he smiled. “One-nil down and I come back. My feeling is good. I’ve been playing well the last two months.”
At one stage, even Suljovic believed the match was slipping away.
“I thought this could be a losing match,” he admitted. “I started okay, then I missed doubles. But I always say to myself: never give up. Maybe I get one chance — and I did.”
Suljovic Hits Back at Slow-Play Claims After Fiery Cullen Clash at World Championship
“God helped me,” he said. “I got the chance, I took it, and I won.”
‘Ally Pally is the best tournament in the world’
Suljovic was keen to stress that form elsewhere on the tour does not always carry over to the World Championship.
“Every tournament is different,” he explained. “The World Championship is something else. For me, I just say: give your best. If I do that, it’s good.”
A regular presence at Alexandra Palace, the Austrian described the event as darts’ ultimate test.
“This is the best tournament in the world,” he said. “World champion is world champion. Pro Tours, European Tours — they are not like this. Everybody comes here. This is the top.”
Light-hearted Littler comments
Suljovic will next face either David Davies or reigning champion Luke Littler, and the mention of Littler’s name brought a lighter tone to proceedings.
“I think I’m bigger than Luke Littler,” Suljovic laughed, before quickly correcting himself. “Okay, okay — serious now!”
He later joked about crowd support before rowing back once again.
“Next game, half Austria, half Germany — I’m at home here,” he smiled. “Sorry Luke, you have no chance… sorry, sorry — we’re joking!”
Darts as an anchor through personal loss
Away from the on-stage drama, Suljovic spoke candidly about personal tragedy and the role darts has played in helping him cope.
“My brother is gone. My mother is gone,” he revealed. “I stay here. I keep going.”
Practice, he said, has become his foundation.
“I do everything for darts,” he explained. “I practise every day. Every day.”
Suljovic also hit back at long-standing claims that he does not train enough.
“People say I don’t practise — what is this?” he said. “I’m a dart player. Of course I practise. There is not one day I don’t.”
Even on holiday, his routine remains unchanged.
“I go on holiday, I practise,” he insisted. “I swear.”
As the interview came to a close, Suljovic dedicated his victory to his family.
“Only the best for my wife Enisa, my son Tarik, and Emma,” he said. “Thank you very much. Merry Christmas to everybody.”
