Cullen claims sensational victory over Van Gerwen to claim maiden European Tour title

Joe Cullen has finally claimed a maiden European Tour title defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final of the European Darts Matchplay in a sensational display in Mannheim.

Cullen has not been in the best form this year but this weekend has put together a brilliant series of victories to deny Van Gerwen another title for the second week running.

'The Rockstar' went 4-1 up in the early going after some early missed darts from the World Number One and he did what he has failed to do on some previous occasions against him and that is punish the mistakes.

Van Gerwen arrested the deficit to 4-2 but Cullen hit back with a 170 checkout, which has been hit again in a potential tide turner.

Despite that, Cullen started to fade of sorts from there and Van Gerwen made it five a piece. Cullen regained the upper hand and from there didn't look back having another late surge to claim victory and end a brilliant weekend.

Click here for more information about the PDC European Tour, including the format, calendar and the prize fund breakdown.

Evening Session (1915 local time, 1815 BST) Quarter-Finals

Michael van Gerwen (100.13) 6-5 (93.09) Krzysztof Ratajski
Rob Cross (87.09) 5-6 (90.14) Dave Chisnall
Jonny Clayton (84.79) 4-6 (93.27) James Wade
Joe Cullen (99.29) 6-2 (98.72) Glen Durrant

Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen (100.25) 7-1 (84) Dave Chisnall
James Wade (98.98) 5-7 (104.19) Joe Cullen

Final
Michael van Gerwen (100.18) 5-8 (101.13) Joe Cullen

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