Cullen reels off five straight legs to see off Klaasen, Van Gerwen storms past valiant Nicholson
News
Joe Cullen and Michael van Gerwen are the next two players through as the European Championship continues in Dortmund.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cullen first of all produced the goods against Jelle Klaasen with him 2-1 down but then reeling off five straight legs to see off the Dutchman.
Klaasen was poor on the doubles and was made to pay by the Rockstar. It was a 95 average for Cullen and he will face Michael Smith in Round 2 in what could be a quality affair.
Following that came the battle of Paul Nicholson and Michael van Gerwen. Both players started tremendously averaging in the high 110’s for a lot of the contest.
Nicholson underlined that by winning the first two legs including a brilliant 127 checkout on the bull.
The pivotal moment came with them locked at 2-2 though and ‘The Asset’ missed multiple darts to win the leg and gave MVG the edge.
He took it and came through 6-2 with a 110 average including a 170 checkout. It was still a class display from the former Players Championship Finals winner who showed why he deserves to still be up there.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Thursday schedule
Steve West (94.15) 6-5 (92.53) Mervyn King
Ian White (88.94) 1-6 (93.22) Richard North
Simon Whitlock (101.16) 6-3 (95.93) Steve Beaton
Michael Smith (100.76) 6-3 (96.6) Steve Lennon
Joe Cullen (94.76) 6-2 (89.71) Jelle Klaasen
Michael van Gerwen (110.32) 6-2 (96.45) Paul Nicholson
22:00 Rob Cross v Danny Noppert
22:30 Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
Klaasen was poor on the doubles and was made to pay by the Rockstar. It was a 95 average for Cullen and he will face Michael Smith in Round 2 in what could be a quality affair.
Following that came the battle of Paul Nicholson and Michael van Gerwen. Both players started tremendously averaging in the high 110’s for a lot of the contest.
Nicholson underlined that by winning the first two legs including a brilliant 127 checkout on the bull.
The pivotal moment came with them locked at 2-2 though and ‘The Asset’ missed multiple darts to win the leg and gave MVG the edge.
He took it and came through 6-2 with a 110 average including a 170 checkout. It was still a class display from the former Players Championship Finals winner who showed why he deserves to still be up there.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Thursday schedule
Steve West (94.15) 6-5 (92.53) Mervyn King
Ian White (88.94) 1-6 (93.22) Richard North
Simon Whitlock (101.16) 6-3 (95.93) Steve Beaton
Michael Smith (100.76) 6-3 (96.6) Steve Lennon
Joe Cullen (94.76) 6-2 (89.71) Jelle Klaasen
Michael van Gerwen (110.32) 6-2 (96.45) Paul Nicholson
22:00 Rob Cross v Danny Noppert
22:30 Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026