"I didn’t see anything wrong - that’s just how he plays": Luke Littler sides with Mensur Suljovic amid Cullen cheating drama

Luke Littler secured his place in the post-Christmas stages of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship with a straight-sets victory at Alexandra Palace, but the teenager was the first to admit that the 3–0 scoreline masked a far more complicated contest.

“Obviously it’s always a good feeling to win,” Littler said post match to the media including DartsNews. “But 3–0 is that much sweeter. On paper it definitely wasn’t a 3–0 game. David missed his doubles and I had to take my chances.”

The match hinged on a chaotic opening set, where Littler averaged just 89 and survived five set darts from David Davies. One leg descended into confusion when the crowd believed Littler had checked out on 170, prompting Davies to walk off the stage prematurely.

“It was a bit crazy,” Littler recalled. “The crowd thought I got the 170 and then he misses, I’ve set up tops. Once I saw him walk off, I said surely he’s out of his stride now — he thinks he’s going off. I just had to punish him and get that first set won.”

That moment proved decisive. Although Littler admitted he hadn’t played his best darts early on, he felt the shift in momentum allowed him to take control. “I didn’t play the best in that first set and I just had to kick on from there,” he said. “For me the turning point was going into the second set at 1–1, breaking to go 2–1 up and then throwing to go 2–0 up. That was a big part.”

Despite progressing without posting one of his trademark 100+ averages — only the fourth time he has failed to do so in a televised match — Littler insisted performance metrics were secondary to getting through.

“No matter how you win it, you just want to win these games,” he said. “I thought my first round was below 100 and tonight I thought I was above 100. It was a close game, but hopefully I can play a bit better in the next round.”

Littler was keen to give credit to Davies, who pushed him throughout and finished only two points behind on the averages.

“Full credit to him,” Littler said. “He missed his doubles and I had to hit mine. His first treble was just so sweet, but I had to get on with it. I’m thankful he missed those doubles and I got the job done.”

Earlier in the evening, Gerwyn Price had been knocked out by Wesley Plaisier — a result that opened up Littler’s quarter of the draw. However, Littler played down its significance and insisted it had no impact on his approach or mindset.

“I watched the whole Gezzy game,” he said. “He didn’t play well and Wesley played really well. But that’s what happens. I can only beat what’s in front of me.”

He even reflected on memories from his first World Championship run, noting similarities in the draw.

“I woke up this morning and checked my memories from two years ago — my route to the final in my first Worlds,” he said. “Gezzy was in the quarters then as well. I could’ve met him again, but it didn’t happen.”

Nor does Price’s exit change Littler’s Christmas plans or outlook. “Not for me,” he added. “Gezzy will have a good Christmas with his family, but he’s not coming back to the World Championships and that’s what most players want to do. You want to win the two games and come back after Christmas.”

Littler will now face Mensur Suljovic in round three, after Christmas, following a pre-tournament exchange between the pair. “He messaged me on Instagram before the tournament,” Littler revealed. “Something like, ‘Kind regards, good luck, see you in round three.’ I just said good luck back. So yeah, it’s happened.”

Although many expected the seeded player to emerge from that section of the draw, Littler admitted nothing is guaranteed. “On paper everyone expects it to be the seed,” he said. “But we’ve all got jobs to do and games to win.”

Suljovic’s unique, methodical style has already been the subject of controversy, with Joe Cullen later branding aspects of their match as “cheating” on social media — a claim Littler firmly rejected.

“It’s not cheating,” Littler said. “That’s just how he plays. He flicks his flight until he feels settled. Joe felt like he slowed it down, but that’s his opinion.”

Littler confirmed he watched part of the match but did not take too much notice. “I didn’t see anything wrong,” he said. “If he does it longer against me, I just have to wait for him and throw my darts.”

Asked how he would respond if Suljović attempted to slow the pace on stage, Littler stressed adaptability. “It’s all about your approach to the oche,” he said. “If he throws slower, I just want to get on with the game. If I need to slow my approach down, I will and just try to get into the game as quick as possible.”

However, he will not be altering his practice routine in the build-up. “I won’t practise throwing slower at home,” he said. “I just expect the worst — and if it’s not as bad as I think, I’ll be happy.”

Away from Ally Pally, Littler described a relaxed preparation between rounds, admitting the break between matches made the return feel like the start of a new tournament. “The days just flew by,” he said. “My time off was gone and it was back to work. But I’ve been chilling out, went to watch United, put a bit of practice in, and now we’re here.”

He also touched on his recent BBC Sportsperson of the Year appearance, revealing his disappointment at missing out on the Young Sports Personality award for a second consecutive year. “I was at the Darts Academy in St Helens practising and the BBC were there,” he said. “Gutted not to go back to back. I won six out of eight majors, but well done to Michelle. Hopefully we can win more titles next year and go for it again.”

Christmas itself will remain unchanged in the Littler household, despite his growing stature in the sport. “Same as always,” he smiled. “Big Christmas dinner. Christmas Day is a chill-out day — no darts. Then on Boxing Day, whether I’m playing on the 27th or 28th, I’ll put in a little bit of practice.”