#Coughgate: Dart player accused of deliberately coughing to distract opponent
Controversy erupted at the 2018 World Darts Championship on Thursday over whether or not a competitor tried to throw off his opponent by coughing.
New Zealander Bernie Smith was leading the first-round match and throwing for victory when England's Justin Pipe stepped toward him and coughed loudly. Smith missed and Pipe came back to win the match 3-2.
WATCH: What did you make to 'coughgate?' 😷 Safe to say @Wayne501Mardle
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 21, 2017
was not impressed!
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it live here: https://t.co/9gIO1ZjBsK #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/jYKOi0HpYY
The side angle really shows up what an unsportsmanlike thing Justin Pipe does. Walks in coughs steps back. The Power will clean his whistle! #Darts #PDCWorldChampionships pic.twitter.com/2rauhJuDgd
— Doc from GolfCentralDaily (@golfcentraldoc) December 21, 2017
Sky Sports commentator and former professional darts player Wayne Mardle is among those who believe Pipe coughed deliberately and has called for an investigation by the Darts Regulatory Authority.
"It didn't look good, did it? Every time I see it I think, 'How desperate are you?' Mardle said, according to Sam Goodwin of Australia's 7 Sport. "It looks absolutely despicable behavior by a professional darts player."
Pipe released a statement denying any wrongdoing:
I'm bitterly disappointed with the comments made on Sky Sports and it's not nice for me and my family to hear.
I would never do something to put another player off and Bernie didn't say anything to me on the night. As far as I'm aware there is no issue from his side and this has been blown out of all proportion.
My focus is on preparing for my game against Phil (Taylor). It is an honor to be playing him in his final tournament and I just want to concentrate on that match.