"He looked like he gave up but that's for him to say not me": Cullen surprised by poor Van Duijvenbode display in Last 16 win

Joe Cullen eased to a superb 10-4 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts seeing off the Dutchman to set up a clash with Michael Smith.

Post match, Cullen said he expected more from Van Duijvenbode but would take a win like that all day long.

"I was expecting Dirk to play a lot better. I think I did all the running early doors. Every little sniff I got I took barring missing three at double 20 but apart from that, I kept him at bay and I could feel him getting frustrated. The way he has played this year I knew I had to play well and I did," said Cullen post match.

"I'd rather have that than some nail-biting 10-9 victory. Dirk has been playing fantastic all year and even the games he seems to be losing he's playing well, I think tonight he looked despondent. He looked like he gave up but that's for him to say not me."

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It was also his wedding anniversary yesterday and he said it was worth it to be away as a result.

"I was hoping Dirk wouldn't spoil the anniversary but I justifies me being away more if I can get a victory like I did tonight.

Now his sights are set at the title with Cullen saying he hasn't yet played anywhere close to his best.

"I think I've got as good a chance as anyone, I don't think I've over exerted myself. I've not played out of my skin so hopefully I'm saving that for the latter half of the tournament."

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