Luke Littler’s ascent at Alexandra Palace continues, but his next opponent anticipated this very moment before a single dart flew. The young sensation secured his place in the third round, though his 3-0 victory over David Davies proved a far tighter contest than the scoreline suggests.
Davies, the underdog, held five crucial darts to claim the opening set, consistently scoring well. However, his struggles on the outer ring ultimately proved decisive. Littler, meanwhile, remains remarkably consistent, having dispatched Darius Labanauskas flawlessly in the first round.
A fascinating pre-match exchange has emerged. Littler revealed that Mensur Suljovic, his upcoming adversary, proactively messaged him immediately after the draw. Suljovic’s message was simple, yet pointed: “See you in round three!”
Littler acknowledged Suljovic’s strong performance against Joe Cullen, praising his opponent’s play. He’s clearly anticipating a challenging match, fueled by Suljovic’s confident prediction.
Despite averaging a solid 97.15 and hitting four 180s against Davies, Littler admitted he wasn’t entirely comfortable. He acknowledged Davies’ missed opportunities, emphasizing how drastically the match could have shifted with a few successful double attempts.
Suljovic earned his spot against Littler with a 3-1 win over Cullen, a victory that ignited a firestorm of controversy. Cullen openly accused Suljovic of deliberately slowing the game down, even going so far as to call it “cheating.”
Cullen’s frustration was palpable, venting on social media about Suljovic’s pace. He argued that the deliberate delays were not within the spirit of the game, and a blatant attempt to disrupt his rhythm.
Suljovic defended his methodical style, insisting it’s an integral part of his game, not a tactic to unsettle opponents. He maintained he plays this way consistently and doesn’t intentionally provoke anyone.
However, Suljovic’s post-match comments revealed a surprising lack of remorse towards Cullen. While offering a general apology to the referee, he stated he wouldn’t apologize to Cullen directly, highlighting a clear difference in perspective.
He passionately explained his need for a deliberate routine, contrasting his approach with players who rush their throws, potentially creating dangerous situations. He believes his pace is a matter of personal style and safety.
