Justin Pipe has denied claims he put off opponent Bernie Smith by coughing during their second-round match at the PDC World Darts Championship.
The 27th seed threw away a two-set lead against Smith before prevailing in a final-set decider, winning three consecutive legs to book a last-32 tie against Phil Taylor.
A statement from Pipe read: "I'm bitterly disappointed with the comments which were made on Sky Sports and it's not nice for me and my family to hear.
"I would never do something to put another player off and Bernie didn't say anything to me on the night. As far as I'm aware there is no issue from his side and this has been blown out of proportion.''
https://twitter.com/golfcentraldoc/status/943923227994263552
The 27th seed threw away a two-set lead against Smith before prevailing in a final-set decider, winning three consecutive legs to book a last-32 tie against Phil Taylor.
A statement from Pipe read: "I'm bitterly disappointed with the comments which were made on Sky Sports and it's not nice for me and my family to hear.
"I would never do something to put another player off and Bernie didn't say anything to me on the night. As far as I'm aware there is no issue from his side and this has been blown out of proportion.''
https://twitter.com/golfcentraldoc/status/943923227994263552
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- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024