Mensur Suljovic hits back at Ross Smith over gamesmanship accusations
Mensur Suljovic has issued a fiery response to Ross Smith over allegations of gamesmanship during their clash at the Swiss Darts Trophy on Sunday.
Suljovic was seen to whip up the crowd as Smith threw for a match double in the deciding leg of their Last 16 tie in Basel.
Smith missed his two attempts at double 18 before Suljovic returned to snatch a 6-5 victory, having trailed 5-3.
The reigning World Series of Darts Finals champion exchanged a brief handshake with the Austrian but was visibly irate as he swiftly departed the stage.
Smith then took to X to make his feelings clear, posting: ‘I don’t blame Mensur for me losing that game. I missed two match darts. Simple as that.
‘Obviously it’s impossible for me to know what he’s doing behind my back when I’m throwing apart from the crowd’s response. If he wants to be an absolute helmet that’s on him – karma will come around.’
Suljovic, who had dumped out Michael van Gerwen in Saturday’s second round, went on to thrash Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 in the quarter-finals with a 102 average.
Afterwards, he was asked on stage about the incident against Smith, and replied: “Look, Ross Smith is one of the best players in the world. What is the guy complaining about? He has to play his game, otherwise he can go straight home.
“What’s his problem? He complains like a woman. In England, the fans are against me. Everywhere, they’re against me. And now he suddenly complains?
“He had to hit it [match dart] and it would have been over. I’d already be home by now, my wife would be thrilled.
“Okay, I got the crowd going a little, just like in Germany. I need the support. I can’t do anything without you.
Suljovic was sternly challenged by MC Philip Brzezinski, who stated he disagreed with the Austrian’s comments and the timing of his actions whilst Smith was throwing.
Suljovic responded: “I didn’t see that. It could be, okay. I’ll have to watch it back on video.
“I encouraged the crowd behind me, but he has to understand that. The crowd can do what it wants, can’t it?.”
Suljovic’s eventful run in Basel was eventually ended by Luke Humphries in the semi-finals as the world number two recovered from 2-0 down to seal a 7-4 victory with a blistering 111 average.
Mensur Suljovic orchestrating the crowd whilst Ross Smith is mid-throw on match darts 🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/SIPEcbkcqz
— Live Darts (@livedarts) October 11, 2026
