"Still got the game, it just doesn't come out as often as he'd like": Joe Cullen 'not fearing' Michael van Gerwen ahead of crunch European Darts Open clash
PDCSaturday, 11 July 2026 at 18:53
One of the big ties tonight at the European Darts Open will be Joe Cullen facing off against Michael van Gerwen in a match that as 'The Rockstar' himself said we've seen a lot including in some of his best times on the oche as he has won multiple European Tours against him.
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But while that is the case, peak MVG or not, he is both not naive in thinking that Van Gerwen is done and also that he can walk in fearing him. He said that it is very much not the case whatever version comes out.
Cullen was speaking after he took down Charlie Manby 6-4 with a 97 average on Friday evening as he confirmed his tie with the already through seed in Van Gerwen. Asked if it is the toughest tie in darts compared to back in the day, he was quick to diminish it while not taking away the box office nature.
Cullen not fearing Van Gerwen
It headlines a session that also sees Gian van Veen face Niko Springer, Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton also both in action. But 'The Rockstar' will look to make his darts do the talking and down MVG who as Cullen said himself is just as liable to throw a bad game than a good one and that his top level doesn't come out as much as before.
"No, I don't think it is," said Cullen to Oche180.
"I think Michael obviously still got a game. It just doesn't come out as often as he'd like. I think you can name a hundred players. It's the same. You know, everybody's got the game. It just if it comes out every single time you play, then everyone's fighting for number one spot.
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Joe Cullen faces MVG tonight.
"You know, it's not as simple as that. But, you know, I've had some of my greatest moments against Michael on a European stage. You know, I won my first European Tour against him and my second.
"So, you know, in the big moments, I know that I've got what it takes to beat him. So, yeah, I won't be fearing him.
"But, you know, I'm not that naive as to think he's going to play rubbish. And, you know, I'm going to steamroller him. That's just not how it works."
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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