Nathan Aspinall beat Lourence Ilagan in Riyadh on Monday at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.
What happened?
Aspinall, the world No 14, won the match, but criticized the crowd, saying they "weren't all there of their own accord".
The opening day of the tournament appeared to be well attended, with a small but engaged audience.
Aspinall's comments sparked debate about the event's authenticity and the role of the crowd in professional darts.
Why it matters for Nathan Aspinall
Aspinall's win is a significant step forward for his career, but his criticism of the crowd raises questions about the future of darts in Saudi Arabia.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been working to expand its reach into new markets, including the Middle East.
Aspinall's comments may impact the PDC's plans for future events in the region.
What comes next?
The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will continue, featuring top players like Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen.
Aspinall will look to build on his win and make a deep run in the tournament.
The PDC will need to address Aspinall's concerns and work to create a more authentic and engaging experience for fans.
Aspinall admitted to "laughing the whole game" due to the crowd's unusual reactions to his throws.
The crowd would clap when he still had two darts left in his hand, or when he missed a shot.
Aspinall's enjoyment of the event was evident, despite the challenges posed by the crowd.
The PDC released a statement saying that Aspinall was reflecting on the fact that this was a first-of-its-kind darts event in the region.
Many attendees were experiencing live darts for the first time, which may have contributed to the unusual atmosphere.
Aspinall's comments were likely intended to spark discussion and improvement, rather than criticism.
The event's success will depend on the PDC's ability to adapt to new markets and create engaging experiences for fans.
Aspinall's win and criticism have set the stage for an interesting and potentially pivotal tournament.