Former champion Rob Cross secured a confident passage into the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Sunday, dispatching veteran Ian White with a 3-1 victory at London's Alexandra Palace.
Cross Finds Form for Festive Return
Despite a year marked by early exits in major tournaments, the 2018 world champion delivered a polished performance to guarantee his return to the iconic venue after the Christmas break. Cross, who has openly spoken of his desire to win a second world title, was largely untroubled by White, showcasing the kind of form that once made him a champion.
His comfortable progression stood in stark contrast to the fiery controversy that erupted earlier in the day during the second-round clash between Joe Cullen and Mensur Suljovic.
Cullen's Explosive 'Cheating' Allegation
Following a 3-1 defeat, an irate Joe Cullen took to social media platform X to launch a stunning attack on his opponent's conduct. The No 32 seed was incensed by what he perceived as excessively slow play from Suljovic, particularly during the decisive final set.
"If that's darts, I don't want no part of it!" Cullen wrote. He added, "Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see... The old guard will say it's part of the game but word it how you will – it's CHEATING! That's not darts."
When confronted with the allegations in his post-match press conference, a bemused Suljovic simply responded, "I don't know what his problem is."
Sunday Session Sets Stage for Stars
Elsewhere on the day's card, Krzystof Ratajski booked his post-Christmas spot with a 3-1 win over Ryan Joyce, while Luke Woodhouse enjoyed a straightforward 3-0 success against Max Hopp.
The action continues on Sunday evening with a blockbuster session featuring the defending champion and world number one, Luke Littler, who faces David Davies. The 2021 winner, Gerwyn Price, takes on Wesley Plaisier, and Damon Heta meets Switzerland's Stefan Bellmont, the giant-killer who eliminated legendary Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in the first round.
