Joe Cullen storms out of press conference at PDC worlds over lack of respect
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Joe Cullen stormed out of his post-match press conference after accusing the media of a lack of respect following a 3-0 second-round win over Wessel Nijman at the PDC World Championship. The 2022 Masters champion, who will face 2021 winner Gerwyn Price next, gave short answers during a tetchy on-stage interview at Alexandra Palace. Bradford-born Cullen then vented his frustration at reporters backstage before departing prematurely.
![[Ian White battled back to beat Ritchie Edhouse on day eight.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4a0ff6f9cbd84a7df9b10ada269ff49a91bb571c/0_0_5438_3625/master/5438.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The 35-year-old, who referenced Dutch opponent Nijman previously serving a ban for breaching betting and anti-corruption rules, said: “Honestly, the media attention that Wessel’s got, again this is not a reflection on him. He seems like a fantastic kid, he’s been caught up in a few things beforehand but he’s served his time and he’s held his hands up, like a lot haven’t.
“I think the way I’ve been treated probably with the media and things like that – I know you guys have no control over the bookies – I’ve been shown no respect, so I won’t be showing any respect to any of you guys tonight. I’m going to go home. Cheers.”.
Later, Ian White jokingly branded upcoming opponent Luke Littler “Runcorn’s No 2” after battling back to beat Ritchie Edhouse. The 54-year-old set up a showdown with teenage sensation Littler thanks to a 3-1 win over European champion Edhouse. White, born in the same Cheshire town as 17-year-old Littler, acknowledged he will need to up his game when he returns to the oche in round three. Asked if he knew who was waiting for him, White told Sky Sports: “Yeah, Runcorn’s No 2. I’m from Runcorn and I’m No 1! Hopefully it will be a better game than what I played tonight.”.
