Fired-up Cullen after thrashing Heta at World Matchplay: "The way that I have been written off, a lot of people have short memories"

Joe Cullen breezed past Damon Heta in a 10-2 demolition job at the World Matchplay in a tie where 'The Heat' was installed as the pre-match favourite but was blown away.

Speaking post match, Cullen was pleased to prove a point and see off the Aussie ace.

"I was bang up for the game, the way that I have been written off. I think a lot of people expected Damon just to get rid of me, a lot of people have short memories. I was a dart away from winning the Premier League and was the Masters champion, I had a point to prove tonight and to Damon's demise, I think that all the backing that he had was to his demise as I used that as massive motivation," he said post match.

"I thought Damon was the favourite for the game, he's in fantastic form, it's more that I was written off. I've been disrespected in the past. I hope people write me off the next game as well."

Reflecting on the Premier League final in which he was a width of a wire away from beating Van Gerwen, he revealed that after beating him, the Dutch ace facetimed him the day after.

"It was tough but then I flew home and had Michael van Gerwen on a FaceTime asking how I'm feeling, I'm like Mike you're the last person I want to see at the minute. To be within one dart, it does hurt. I threw it and thought it was in but it's added to my stock a little bit. It's not a bad year so far."

Speaking on the quarter of death, he believes whoever comes through will have earnt it.

"That's the nature of the Matchplay. I think this year is arguably the best field that we've ever had. There's not really a weak player in it. It's good for viewing so I think whoever gets through it has really earned their spot."