Cullen floors De Decker in opening World Matchplay tie: "When the schedule came out I wasn't thrilled about it. But it's only a problem if you lose"

Joe Cullen has qualified for the second round of the World Matchplay. 'The Rockstar' defeated Mike De Decker 10-7 in his opening match.

"When the schedule came out I wasn't thrilled about it," Cullen says in regards to opening the tournament. "I'd much rather the tournament get going and then play a bit later on. But it's only a problem if you lose."

In the next round, Cullen will take on Gerwyn Price. "In my opinion, anyone in the last 16 is capable of winning it and that's what I'm trying to do," he says.

Cullen had also enjoyed the atmosphere at the Winter Gardens. "It's a little bit cooler this year as well. It's notoriously always been absolutely boiling here so it was a little bit easier this year."