Cullen on mindset facing women after Ashton win: "Still a stigma attached but it's making it's way out of the sport"

Joe Cullen saw off Lisa Ashton in a 5-2 win to ensure his progression to the Last 16 at the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts and prevent 'The Lancashire Rose' playing any further part.

Cullen was honest post match and said there is still that stigma there in playing women but that is leaving the sport now.

"I won't lie I was a bit nervous going up and playing Lisa on stage. I think there is still that stigma attached to a lady player, I'm sure the way that Lisa and Fallon are playing that stigma will go away sooner rather than later," said Cullen post match.

"It is what it is, when you get brought up you shouldn't really lose to women but the way the woman are playing now it's sort of making it's way out of the sport."

Next up is Michael Smith which is a game he is looking forward to as well as admitting he is treating this tournament as a bonus due to not defending any money.

"I think we've got a really even record, we both suit each others' game, we both play pretty quick and just get on with it. There's no tactics or anything like that so the best man will win on the night."

"There's no excuse over the best over the 19, it sorts the men from the boys definitely. The Grand Slam I wasn't here two years ago so it's all free money for me. A lot of people are defending this time but it's a bit of a free roll for me."