Slow play in darts, a deliberate pace taken by players before throwing, consistently sparks controversy but remains largely undefined by official rules. Players like Mensur Suljović are often at the center of this debate, accused by opponents of disrupting their rhythm. However, without clear regulations from the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), slow play isn’t technically ‘cheating.’ This article explores why it causes such outrage, draws parallels with solutions in other sports like baseball, and argues that slow play isn’t a fault of individual players but rather a symptom of a long-standing issue the sport has yet to address.
The Mensur Suljović Enigma: Strategy or Stalling?
The recent World Championships saw Mensur Suljović face warnings from referee Kirk Bevins for his deliberate pace. While Suljović’s throwing wasn’t directly affected, his opponent, Joe Cullen, visibly struggled, eventually losing 3-1 and alleging “cheating.” Yet, the official rulebook is silent on slow play. The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has no specific rule against taking extended time to throw. A referee can caution players for unsporting behaviour, but slow play must first be explicitly defined as such. If it’s not against the rules, can it truly be cheating? And if not, why does it consistently ignite such strong emotions?
Suljović is no stranger to this discussion. Back in late 2020, also at the World Championships, darts legend Gary Anderson voiced similar frustrations about the Austrian’s pace. This raises a crucial question: is Suljović’s slow pace a deliberate tactic to unsettle opponents, or simply an inherent part of his unique throwing style?
The “Gentle Giant” from Austria has always been known for his measured approach: a careful setup, consistent tempo, intense concentration, and mental adjustments before each dart. When asked about his deliberate style, Suljović has consistently stated that he plays his own game, not that of his opponent. This isn’t an unreasonable stance in competitive sport – often, the most effective strategy is to do what your opponent least desires.
Why Does Slow Play Ignite Such Passion?
Despite the lack of formal rules, slow play often sparks significant frustration among players and fans alike. Many in the darts community, including players and spectators, prefer a fast-paced game – two “speed merchants” rapidly hitting 180s, keeping the energy high and the match flowing quickly. Slow play, in contrast, tends to disrupt the rhythm and concentration of opponents who thrive on a quicker tempo.
Opponents often report feeling a sense of manipulation. Joe Cullen’s comments about how the game “should be played” highlight this sentiment, yet neither “normal” nor “how it should be played” are concepts defined by the DRA. This emotional response stems from the perceived impact:
- It disrupts momentum: A fast player can lose their flow.
- It breaks concentration: Extended waits can cause mental lapses.
- It creates frustration: The feeling of being deliberately slowed down can be maddening.
Lessons from the Diamond: Baseball’s Pitch Clock Solution
Darts isn’t the only sport to grapple with the issue of slow play. Major League Baseball (MLB) faced a similar problem with increasingly lengthy games due to pitchers taking too much time between pitches. Their solution was decisive and effective: the introduction of a pitch clock.
This new rule mandated a specific time limit for pitchers to deliver the ball, significantly speeding up games and creating a clear, objective standard. The result? Games became noticeably shorter, and the ambiguity and subjectivity that once plagued players and spectators were largely removed. It provided a defined framework, taking away the grey areas.
Darts’ Dilemma: Can a Time Limit Work?
Whether darts could benefit from a similar system, like a “throw clock,” is a complex question with many facets. Implementing such a rule would require careful consideration and definition from the sport’s governing bodies. How would a time limit be legislated and enforced in darts?
- Per-Visit Basis: Would players have a set amount of time for each turn at the oche (e.g., 30 seconds for three darts)?
- Chess-Based System: Could a total time limit be allotted per set or match, similar to chess, where time is deducted only when it’s a player’s turn?
- Visibility: Should the clock be prominently displayed for players and the crowd, or operate in the background like VAR in football or TV umpires in cricket?
Ultimately, the sport needs to clearly define what constitutes “slow play” and the specific problem it aims to solve before it can devise an effective and universally accepted solution.
Beyond Suljović: A Deep-Rooted Issue
While Mensur Suljović often finds himself in the spotlight, the issue of slow play in darts is far from new and not solely attributable to him. Other players have also come under scrutiny for their pace. Alexis Toylo, for example, faced criticism for his speed of play during the 2024 World Championships. Names like Justin Pipe have long been associated with deliberate, slower styles.
To truly understand the depth of this issue, one can look back decades for historical examples. One infamous instance dates back to 1985, during the BDO Blackthorn Masters, where Jocky Wilson’s match against Terry Down became legendary for its excruciatingly slow pace. The fiery Scottish player was reportedly incensed by Down’s exceptionally slow throwing technique. If it was a tactic, it certainly worked: Down ultimately won the match, proving the disruptive potential of a deliberate pace.
The Unaddressed Challenge: Defining the Game’s Spirit
Slow play in darts is a persistent phenomenon. It has always existed and will continue to unless the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the DRA take concrete steps to define and legislate against it. A fast-paced player will almost always feel uncomfortable and frustrated when facing a slower opponent. The very nature of their opposing styles means that those who thrive on speed will find being slowed down incredibly disruptive.
Joe Cullen’s post-match comments, reflecting frustration, perfectly illustrate this concept. The core questions are whether a slow pace is a deliberate tactic, and whether it goes against the unwritten “spirit of the game” – a concept that still sparks debate in sports like cricket. Mensur Suljović is not a cheat in darts; rather, he inadvertently highlights a long-established systemic issue that darts’ governing bodies continue to shy away from tackling head-on. It’s time for the sport to establish clear boundaries, ensuring fair play and an enjoyable experience for all.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
