Joe Cullen is through to a Last 16 clash with Daryl Gurney completing the line-up in a wide open section of the draw at the World Grand Prix after the demise of Michael van Gerwen earlier this evening.
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Cullen took down Chris Dobey recovering from a set down to see off 'Hollywood' who struggled to get his first double in during the final set as 'The Rockstar' found his rhythm with a 93 average and four 180's in a 2-1 win in the end.
Cullen had missed opportunities in the opening leg to register a break and Dobey led with an early hold. Cullen couldn't get a dart at 105 and Dobey took a look at 84 for a two-leg lead.
He drifted into double nine after doing all the hard work but composed himself for double three and he was throwing for the opening set. Dobey couldn't get a dart from 112 to seal the opening set and Cullen got a foothold making it 2-1 down. He was throwing to send the set to a decider.
But Dobey snatched that away. He pinned a sublime 160 for the set. Cullen hit a 15-darter to start the second set. But Dobey levelled up on double 16. Cullen was way back on his own throw but Dobey missed three darts to go one away. Cullen pinned 79 though to hold to make it 2-1 despite two 180's in the leg from Dobey. Cullen sent it all the way though on double 16.
Cullen started the deciding set in a great rhythm and he broke on double six for 1-0. Dobey took four darts to get off on Cullen's throw and the Bradford ace hit a 180 to surge ahead. He went one away and Dobey failed to get off again in the opening throw. Cullen did first dart and he pinned 110 to seal a superb win.
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CULLEN DUMPS OUT DOBEY!
After trailing in the first set, Joe Cullen wins back-to-back sets to send Chris Dobey packing and advances into the next round.
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