Cullen jokes about early start due to England game after Rodriguez win: "I actually put a complaint in to the tournament director"

Joe Cullen openly has a poor record in Minehead but was one of only a few top names to get through the opening round to start proceedings at the Players Championship Finals.

A 6-2 win over Rowby-John Rodriguez with a 92 average, three 180's and a 132 checkout saw 'The Rockstar' through to face Kim Huybrechts.

"I've got a pretty shocking record here but a win is a win but it was scrappy especially early doors, I think I played a little bit better probably the last half of the game but I would have took any sort of win as I've got a terrible record here, it's actually catching up with the World's," said Cullen.

The game turned on a moment where Huw Ware, the referee had a word with Rowby-John Rodriguez about being in the exclusion zone which he believes changed the game.

"They were saying Rowby was in the exclusion zone when I was throwing which doesn't affect me at all. He could stand right behind me, I don't move a great deal when I throw anyway. I spoke to Rowby afterwards and he said it messed with his head a little bit which I could see and I could feel. It was an odd one. I think the timing of it was the problem. Maybe wait till the end of the leg to address it but Huw's a fantastic ref."

While due to England playing, it was an early start with Cullen joking that a complaint has been put in as a result and that he wasn't fussed personally due to not being patriotic.

"I actually put a complaint in to the tournament director, Graham Fairhurst that we shouldn't be starting at this time but it's out of everyone's hands because if England are playing at the same time the darts is on, no-ones going to watch the darts. Everyone wants to watch England except me because I am not patriotic at all."