Cullen dedicates Masters title after achieving darting destiny: “I miss my mum dearly so that's definitely for her”

Joe Cullen achieved darting destiny on Sunday evening sealing his maiden TV title at the 2022 Masters with an 11-9 victory.

Dealing with the passing of his mother off the Oche, he dedicated his title in memory of her with his dad coming on stage to celebrate the triumph in Milton Keynes

"I've dreamed of this moment for a long time," said Cullen. "I felt like I was going to win it at the start of the day, so to actually get over the line feels amazing.

"It's bitter-sweet. I'd love my mum to have been here to see me do it but life's not always fair. I miss my mum dearly so that's definitely for her.

"I lost my mum in October and it's absolutely gut-wrenching. That was for my mum.

"It was special to have my dad here. Losing a parent is always tough, so to have my dad by my side supporting me is great."

He hopes he can now claim more and do like last year’s winner, Jonny Clayton in terms of his breakout at the Masters.

"It's a foot on the ladder and it's something that a lot of players higher ranked than me haven't done, so it can only be a positive going forward," he added.

"Hopefully this is the first of many. I've proved I can do it on TV and it's even more pleasing because I played well.

"My finishing all weekend has been pretty good but you can't practice for the moment you have a dart to win a TV title.

"I felt comfortable for the whole game and then all of a sudden I thought I was going to win and that's when it all goes to pieces, as you saw.

"The double 18 at the end was more a relief. I got over the line and that's all that matters."