Joe Cullen has opened up about his infamous clash with Mensur Suljovic at the World Darts Championship, admitting he was "so angry" at the time but now believes the Austrian "overstepped the mark." In a candid interview with Online Darts in Swansea, Cullen reflected on the match where Suljovic averaged 81 and beat him, sparking post-match frustration over pace and behavior. "I think Mensur didn't play the game like it should be played and knew exactly what he was doing — as most people would agree," Cullen said, though he stressed their relationship has always been good, noting Suljovic recently approached him in Wigan to get his number for a German exhibition. "I've always had a lot of time for Mensur. I like him as a person — he's a nice man and he's got a lovely family. I just think he overstepped the mark in that game."
The Englishman, who has been in professional darts for almost two decades, also discussed his current form and ambitions. He started the season positively, attributing it to increased preparation work. "Yeah, the form's been good," Cullen stated. "I've put a bit of work in for a change, so yeah, I'm playing alright." His early-year results have secured him spots at multiple European Tour events, and he's focused on returning to the top 16 of the world rankings, a spot he held for a long time before slipping out over the past 18 months. "The top 16 is the place to be," he emphasized, adding that he's working hard to maintain consistency, something he admits has been lacking in his career.
Looking ahead, Cullen sees the upcoming UK Open as a fresh opportunity, though he'll enter in the afternoon session this year due to his current ranking — a change he hasn't experienced in about a decade. Despite a poor record at the event, he remains optimistic: "Every event is a chance to add to the rankings." On player conduct, Cullen highlighted the existing rule about persistent gamesmanship, suggesting referees are in an "awkward position" and that independent decision-makers might help. He distinguished between slow play and gamesmanship, citing Michael Barnard as an example of a slow player without ulterior motives. Cullen, currently ranked 34th on the Order of Merit, concluded by addressing social media criticism, using it as motivation but hinting he might keep reactions private in future to win back fans.
