Joy for Joe Cullen as Bradford darts star wins another title
Yorkshire darts ace Joe Cullen picked up from where he left off with victory in the first Players’ Championship of 2021.
The world number 16, from Bradford, won the last similar competition of 2020 and repeated the feat by beating Jonny Clayton 8-7 in the final of the year’s first PDC ranking event, at Bolton.
"Winning the first tournament is a perfect start to what I believe will be a big year for me," said Cullen.
"It wasn't the best final, it's hard playing against Jonny because he's a great friend and he's got such a relaxed attitude about the game.
"Previously when I've felt uncomfortable in games I've been beaten, but lately I feel like I've got a chance of winning games even when I'm playing badly.
“It's a brilliant feeling to have.
"I've been putting the work in. I gave myself a week-and-a-half off after [the World Championship] and then got back on the practice board, so I'm pleased it's paying off."
Cullen averaged only 86.5 in the final, his lowest of the day and six points fewer than his opponent,
Clayton took the opening two legs, but Cullen responded by winning the next three and the pair remained within a leg of each other until the 12th when Cullen found double ten for a 16-dart leg to lead 7-5.
Clayton landed a pressure 108 checkout to break straight back before making no mistake on double seven to send the contest to a last-leg decider.
Strong scoring from Cullen, who had the advantage of throw, saw him leave 90 after nine darts, but four missed doubles for the match gave Clayton an outside chance of stealing the win.
However, Cullen denied the Welshman a chance to take out 56, finding the match-winning double ten at the sixth attempt to seal the £10,000 prize.
Cullen defeated Premier League star Nathan Aspinall 7-4 in the semi-finals, having secured victories over Ryan Meikle, Ryan Murray, fellow Yorkshireman Scott Waites, Chris Dobey and Gabriel Clemens to reach the last four.