Joe Cullen, known as ‘The Rockstar’ in the darts world, recently made headlines not just for his performance at the Poland Open, but for a powerful declaration about his career trajectory. While his journey in the tournament ended with a defeat to Michael Smith on Saturday night, it was his candid remarks the previous day that truly set the stage for a potential resurgence.
Despite a recent exit from the Poland Open, darts professional Joe Cullen is brimming with renewed confidence and determination. After an uncharacteristic dip in form last year, Cullen reveals he’s putting in serious effort, believing he’s superior to many players currently ranked above him. His impressive performance leading up to the loss, coupled with a significantly improved mental game, signals a strong comeback for ‘The Rockstar’.
A Turning Point: “I Am Better Than Them”
Following a convincing 6-2 victory over Krzysztof Kciuk on Friday, Cullen’s post-match interview offered a deep dive into his mindset and ambitions. He opened up about a period of inconsistency and his firm resolution to change it.
“I’ve started putting effort in this year. Last year, I wasn’t good enough,” Cullen admitted. He acknowledged that while flashes of his old brilliance appeared, a lack of sustained effort held him back. “Ultimately, in this game, you get out what you give in. This year, I thought to myself, put some work in.”
Cullen reflected on a past mistake: “I got into the final of the first ProTour and then won one. Then I thought, ‘Oh, I can sit back a little bit now.’” This complacency, he now realizes, cost him crucial momentum and consistency, even though his natural talent remained.
The Drive for Change
His frustration with his current standing is palpable. “This year, I thought, I am sick of being where I am, to be honest. I am better than a lot of players above me,” he declared. This isn’t just bravado; it’s a belief fueled by renewed dedication. “But the rankings suggest otherwise, so it is only me that can put that right. I have been putting the work in, and I feel so comfortable at the minute.”
Evidence of Improvement: On the Oche
The Friday win against Kciuk wasn’t just a talking point; it was a demonstration of his renewed focus. Cullen delivered a stellar performance:
- Scored 4 maximum 180s.
- Achieved a 50% success rate on his doubles.
- Maintained an impressive 99.85 average.
These statistics underscore the impact of his mental shift and increased practice.
Mental Fortitude: Overcoming Pressure
Beyond the numbers, Cullen highlighted a significant change in his mental approach, especially when facing a home crowd. “I think last year, in front of a partisan crowd in someone’s home country, I would have folded there,” he explained. A “partisan crowd” refers to a highly vocal and supportive audience for the local player, which can be intimidating for an opponent.
This time, however, his mindset was different. “I felt like I didn’t deserve it [to fold]. I knew he would come out strong, but I thought the quality would show through at the end if I let it.” This newfound resilience suggests a player no longer doubting his own ability under pressure.
Looking Ahead: The Resurgent Rockstar
While his run in the Poland Open ended with a loss to Michael Smith, the powerful interview and the quality of his play leading up to it paint a clear picture. The Joe Cullen who spoke to reporters on Friday night, full of conviction and a commitment to hard work, is the version of ‘The Rockstar’ fans can expect to see more of. This isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s the start of a determined push to climb the rankings and solidify his place among the elite.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
