A heated confrontation erupted between Chinese Taipei teammates during their World Cup of Darts clash against India in Frankfurt on Friday, creating extraordinary scenes at the oche.
Teng-Lieh Pupo and An-Sheng Lu became embroiled in an angry exchange after a crucial lack of concentration threatened to derail their commanding position in the match.
The dramatic incident unfolded at the Eissporthalle when Pupo made a costly error whilst attempting to close out what should have been a routine victory.
Their public disagreement left spectators stunned as the teammates argued on stage, transforming a straightforward group match into one of the tournament's most memorable moments.
An-Sheng Lu was not impressed by Teng-Lieh Pupo mistake
Sky Sports
Chinese Taipei had surged into a 3-0 lead and needed just 38 to secure victory in the fourth leg.
With double 19 required to seal the win, Pupo inexplicably threw at treble 20 before firing another dart at 19, busting his score.
Referee Kirk Bevans declared "no score", leaving Pupo bewildered before he realised his error.
Lu immediately stormed towards his teammate, demanding an explanation for the miscount.
The pair continued their heated discussion as India's Mohan Kumar-Goel capitalised on the mistake to win the leg and keep the match alive.
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The pair were still disagreeing as India stepped up to take advantage of the mistake
Sky Sports
Both players were seen raising their voices and gesturing animatedly whilst arguing at the edge of the stage.
The bizarre scenes prompted an outpouring of reactions from darts fans on social media.
One spectator laughed on X: "Chinese Taipei about to start throwing hands at each other on stage, this is darts heritage."
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Another fan declared: "The greatest World Cup of darts match in my mind. Just pure cinema."
A third commented: "Reason number 101 why the World Cup is my favourite Darts tourney."
One viewer suggested the drama surpassed even the sport's biggest stars, writing: "I don't care what anyone says, that's far more exciting and entertaining than Luke Humphries & Luke Littler being really good."
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World Cup of Darts HERITAGE! 🤣
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 13, 2025
It's a moment to forget for Pupo Teng-Lieh!
He thinks the leg is already over, and Team India capitalise to open their account!
An-Sheng Lu is not a happy man! 😳#WCOD25 | First Round pic.twitter.com/RRNxGnxUid
Despite the turmoil, Chinese Taipei eventually composed themselves to secure a 4-2 victory, though not before Pupo was guilty of another miscount in the fifth leg as India threatened a remarkable comeback.
The win came after Chinese Taipei had lost their opening group match against Czechia, leaving their progression hopes hanging in the balance.
They now require India to defeat Czechia to have any chance of advancing to the knockout phase.
The tournament, which features 40 nations competing at the Eissporthalle, sees England's Luke Humphries and Luke Littler as strong favourites to claim a record-extending sixth World Cup crown for their country.
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