“I was rubbish there... But if I bring my A game I stand a good chance of winning" - Joe Cullen struggles into 2nd round tie with Nathan Aspinall in Riesa

After a disastrous performance last time out on the European Tour, Joe Cullen again struggled to hit the heights in his opening round match with Robert Owen at the 2025 International Darts Open in Riesa. This time around though, it was still enough for victory as the 'The Rockstar' prevailed 6-1 to set up a second round tie with Nathan Aspinall later today.

“That was shiza. But it was just about getting the win," reflected Cullen with brutal honesty in his post-match interview afterwards, having averaged 85.91 to dispatch Welshman Owen, who himself was visibly struggling to find his best form. “I was rubbish there and got the 6-1 victory so I’m happy."

“It’s been such a strange year for me," Cullen continues, referencing his inconsistent form in early 2025. "I got into a final for the first event of year. I managed to win one then have been rubbish since. Rob Owen is a tricky customer. He did not play as well as he can but thankfully that worked for me.”

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As mentioned, in the second round, Nathan Aspinall lays in wait for Cullen. Typically a challenging task, Aspinall comes into this one in top form, having taken his first ever European Tour title last time out at the European Darts Trophy. At that same event meanwhile, Cullen suffered a very disappointing 6-0 loss to Ryan Joyce. “I was terrible the other week in Gottingen and Ryan Joyce got the win," recalls the former Masters champ. "The 6-0 loss hurt. Ryan is amazing at doubles and I was terrible I gave him nothing to beat.”

“It’s so surprising that is his (Aspinall ed.) first European Tour win after all these years. It was a long time coming for Nathan. He has been playing well again," Cullen concludes. "But if I bring my A game I stand a good chance of winning. I do back myself.”

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