30/01/2021

Cullen sets up Price clash after high quality win over Bunting, Clayton seals impressive victory over De Sousa

Joe Cullen has set up a second round tie with World Champion, Gerwyn Price after seeing off Stephen Bunting to end the opening night at The Masters.

Cullen claimed it 6-4 in a high quality victory with a 102.2 average and 55% on the doubles with at times, 'The Rockstar' averaging 115 as he continues his form he exhibited at the World Championship.

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Cullen made a superb start to the tie firing in a 134 checkout in the opening leg and it was back-to-back ton plus finishes and 12-darters with a 100 checkout to make it 2-0.

His brilliance continued as he went into the interval as he was on a 115 average leading 4-1 with 4/6 on the doubles.

Bunting missed two darts to hold but returned and pinned double four to make it 4-2. Successive legs for Bunting made it 4-3 and kept it interesting.

But a break of throw last dart in hand on double 20 saw Cullen regain a two leg cushion and go one away from victory.

A 13-darter in response saw Bunting break back immediately to make it 5-4 and deny Cullen the chance of match winning darts.

Bunting failed to get a shot to send it all the way and Cullen hit double 20 last dart in hand for an 80 checkout.

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Jonny Clayton is also through to the second round and a clash with Michael van Gerwen after sealing an impressive win over Jose de Sousa.

Clayton took out 130 in the deciding leg to claim it 6-5 with a 103 average and four 180's as he aims to do the same as last year when he defeated Mighty Mike in Milton Keynes to end his run in this tournament.

Clayton opened up a 2-0 lead to begin the tie but De Sousa halved the deficit with an 84 checkout.

A 13-darter on double 10 saw Clayton regain the upper hand though at 3-2 up. De Sousa squandered three darts at doubles from there and Clayton stepped in to make it 5-4.

But De Sousa sent it all the way with an 81 checkout on double 16 but Clayton had the throw and like Gurney in the previous game, he used it to his advantage with a blockbuster 130 checkout to win through.