Cullen edges past Dobey in high quality World Matchplay opener

Joe Cullen has ended his poor run of form as of late with a high quality victory over Chris Dobey 10-8 to open Night Two in Blackpool.

Cullen produced a 98 average, five 180's and 53% on the doubles as he moved through and was emotional after the game showing what this win means to him.

Dobey’s poor start to proceedings was punished by Cullen who took the opening leg on double 20 to break throw.

A strong start for Cullen continued with a 57 checkout seeing him double his lead. An 87 checkout saw him stretch his lead to 3-1 with an average topping over 110 dispelling recent form fears.

A double 12 saw Dobey keep himself within one at the interval at 3-2. A superb start for both to a high quality encounter.

Cullen returned with an immediate first 180 and claimed a 4-2 lead but Dobey replied with a 180 of his own with a 78 checkout also.

It was three 180’s now for Dobey who looked to attack the Cullen throw and attack it he did with a break of throw to make it parity at 4-4. He found double 20 from there to lead for the first time 5-4.

But at the half-way stage, it was all square as Cullen made it 5-5. It continued to head towards a level game at 7-7 but a big moment saw ‘The Rockstar’ head back in front at 8-7 up and he consolidated that lead at 9-7 up.

Dobey aimed to force a tiebreak with double 10 for a hold to make it 9-8. With ‘Hollywood’ stuck on 24, Cullen produced with double eight with a real show of emotion after.