Joe Cullen is successfully through to the second round of the World Grand Prix after a superb win over Damon Heta 2-1 as he continues his form over 'The Heat' who he also defeated at the World Matchplay.
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Cullen started with a 112 checkout which Heta followed with a 120 but he missed darts to go 2-1 up and the former broke to go one away from the opening set. He had set darts and ‘The Heat’ turned it with an 86 checkout on the bull.
But a poor decider from Heta saw Cullen set up from 170 and hit double 16 to go 1-0 up. Heta doubled his lead though with a 115 checkout as he looked to send the match to a deciding set.
Double six saw Heta make it 1-1 in sets. Heta missed 98 on double nine and Cullen pounced to hold at 1-1. He missed 116 to go one away but returned with Heta unable to hit 170 and then a last dart double eight to seal the win.
While Danny Noppert produced a statement win over Gabriel Clemens sealing a straight sets victory over 'The German Giant' whilst dropping only two legs.
Noppert went 2-0 up to begin the tie with a 101 checkout before the Dutchman sealed a clean sweep with a 64 checkout.
Clemens couldn’t stop the rot missing 158 followed by further doubles but an 88 checkout wasn’t sealed by Noppert and the German finally claimed a leg before doubling his lead on double 16.
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A 44 checkout saw Noppert hold to go 2-1 down. A 61 checkout saw him break to go one away. Double six saw him seal it though.
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CULLEN GETS THE BETTER OF HETA! 🎸
A sensational win for Joe Cullen who battles past World Cup winner Damon Heta, securing a 2-1 set success to advance through to Round Two!
Up next 👉 Rob Cross v Daryl Gurney
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