Joe Cullen feels underestimated by media: ''They see what they want to see''

Joe Cullen qualified for the third round at the World Darts Championship on Sunday afternoon with little problem. The 34-year-old Englishman won 3-0 in sets amd was much too strong for Darren Penhall.

''I couldn't have wished it to go any better to be honest," Cullen spoke afterward during his post-match press conference. ''It was drama free and a relatively routine victory. Darren hit a 13-darter first leg and I thought 'oh great, I don't need this,' but I grew into the game, won the first set and settled down a little bit."

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One of the highlights actually took place before the game. As usual, Cullen came on with the song Don't Look Back in Anger by Oasis, which created a great atmosphere in the room.

''It's a bit of a strange one. Obviously, I'm a massive Oasis fan, I love the song, but since I've had it as my walk on I've hated it,'' Cullen laughs. ''Every time it comes on the radio I'll turn over or if it comes on my playlist I'll skip over it. But the crowd love it and that's what it's all about. Especially at Christmas as well."

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The former Masters champion does not have to return to action at the World Darts Championship until after Christmas. His possible opponent will then be Ryan Searle, who must first face the winner of the match between Ian White and Tomoya Goto.

''I'll probably have a couple of days off and relax a bit," he says. "I've got a shocking record here early doors, I've had many horrendous Christmases so I'll enjoy it and I'll definitely be ready for my second game."

Cullen managed to reach the semifinals at the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix this year. Yet 'The Rockstar' is not mentioned anywhere in the lists of outsiders. Whether his achievements are a bit underrated? ''By the media for sure. They see what they want to see. Even on Twitter, you sometimes see some funny stuff come up. Sometimes I even respond to it. Oh well, at least someone is paying attention to you...'' Cullen said.

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