Luke Littler dismisses cheating claims against Mensur Suljovic
Luke Littler has dismissed accusations of “cheating” levelled at his next opponent, Mensur Suljovic, following a recent row at the World Darts Championship, reports BritPanorama.
The 18-year-old, chasing history and aiming to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy, has been involved in matches characterized by a thoughtful pace, eliminating opponents who prefer a swift style.
This trend is unlikely to alter when he encounters Suljovic, a qualifier from Serbia known for his deliberate, ritualistic method on the oche, which has long been a source of debate among players.
Suljovic’s distinctive technique, involving repetitive flicks of the dart before his throw, has drawn frustration from peers. Joe Cullen, who lost 3–1 to Suljovic in the second round, publicly expressed his irritation, branding the style as “cheating” and disassociated it from traditional darts gameplay.
In stark contrast, Littler took a more balanced view. “No, it’s not cheating. That’s just how he plays,” commented Littler, the current world No. 1. He acknowledged the slower pace adopted by Suljovic and emphasized that it is a part of their competitive environment.
Preferring to remain composed, Littler has prepared to adjust to Suljovic’s style. “If he tries anything to try and put me off or slow me down, then obviously I’ve got to be ready for it,” he stated, highlighting his pragmatic approach against opponents who employ different strategies.
Littler’s second-round win over David Davies took a brief 23 minutes, during which he recorded an average of 97.15 — notably one of the few times he has dipped below the three-figure average at Alexandra Palace. Anticipation for the match against Suljovic suggests a further slowdown, as the third round will follow a best-of-seven-sets format.
“Obviously, you don’t want to be stood there for long. You’re getting cold and you just want to get on with it,” Littler added, acknowledging the challenging aspects of the extended pauses on stage. He equally recognized Suljovic’s determination to maintain his playing style.
In a lighter moment, Littler shared his appreciation for Suljovic’s walk-on music, Tina Turner’s “(Simply) The Best,” noting that the upcoming match will be their first since he began his professional career.
The encounter has been brewing since Suljovic reached out to Littler on Instagram following the draw last month, predicting their clash. With high stakes and evolving tournament dynamics, this match is poised to be a significant moment in the championship.
As the tournament unfolds, Littler’s journey reflects not just his skill but the intriguing blend of styles shaping this year’s World Darts Championship. With every throw, narratives continue to intertwine — a reminder of how the game’s nuances keep fans on the edge of their seats.
