"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."

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."