Joe Cullen happy at van Gerwen’s exit as admits he would rather face Dobey in the World Grand Prix quarter-final “He’s not as good a player as Michael van Gerwen”

Joe Cullen happy at van Gerwen’s exit as admits he would rather face Dobey in the World Grand Prix quarter-final “He’s not as good a player as Michael van Gerwen”

Joe Cullen saw off Ross Smith in a fantastic last-16 tie at the World Grand Prix, to set up a showdown with Chris Dobey after Hollywood sent tournament favourite Micahel van Gerwen packing.

During his post-match media, Cullen admits that he would rather face Dobey for a place in the final 4 of the World Grand Prix instead of the six times champion.

“I’ve seen a couple of interviews with myself and other players saying he’s the man to beat. I’ll be lying if I said I wouldn’t rather play Chris because I would,” said Cullen.

“He’s not as good a player as Michael van Gerwen. I think Chris will admit that. I think a lot of people would but Chris is a fantastic player and an even better lad. So I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be up for it.”

However, he does not see it as opening up the draw and believes that the World Grand Prix means that any surprises can and will occur.

“I think maybe it slightly would if it was a normal competition. But I’ve always said double start is a massive thing. If you can get away your first two darts especially, it’s a massive leveller.

“I think Michael struggled tonight, he missed the nine-darter twice and went on to lose the game. I don’t think his average was too great either which shows he struggled to get off which is a massive thing.”