Mike De Decker won his first ProTour event at the beginning of August, picking up the Players Championship 16 in Milton Keynes.
The Belgian defeated ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans 8-2 with a 104 average in a display that encapsulated the World No. 36’s recent form.
After his maiden win, The Real Deal has been talking about his favourite player to face on tour.
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Mike De Decker enjoys playing Joe Cullen
The 28-year-old was full of praise for 2022 Masters winner Joe Cullen, who knocked him out of the World Grand Prix and the World Matchplay last year.
Talking on the Weekly Dartscast, De Decker said: “When he beat me at the Grand Prix I told him backstage ‘can you have someone else at the Worlds please?’
“I don’t mind losing to him, I prefer winning, but losing to Joe Cullen, he’s someone who gets on with the game, no mind games, no antics, just plays darts.
“He’s a really nice guy and he’s fun to play against because he has a good rhythm as well”.
Both players could make a splash in the sport in the future, and they will surely meet on the big stage on numerous occasions in years to come.
De Decker’s blistering form
After De Decker’s maiden tournament win, the Belgian was fourth in the PDC’s form guide ahead of Luke Littler, Rob Cross, and Stephen Bunting.
After reaching the quarterfinal of the Players Championship 15 and his win in the following tournament, De Decker was averaging 97.62 over his last 200 legs and was hitting over 37% of his darts at double.
If the Belgian can continue this rich vein of form, he’s set to have an exceptional end to 2024.