Cullen fresh off his second European Tour triumph which allowed him the route to become top seed couldn't back that up as he fell to 'The Magpie' with only 20% on his doubles despite not scoring poorly with three 180's.
O'Connor though who is only in the tournament by virtue of a positive COVID test for Glen Durrant seized on his second chance with 40% on his doubles in a 6-3 win and he will now take his place in the second day in Oberhausen.
So is Nathan Aspinall but 'The Asp' was far from his best against Dutch debutant Maik Kuivenhoven but did enough to win through.
Aspinall claimed a 6-3 victory over Kuivenhoven who has producing some impressive displays so far this season including on the European Tour which got him his spot in this tournament.
But despite an average of only 86.6 and 24% on the doubles, it is the Premier League finalist who is through successfully to face James Wade.
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CULLEN IS OUT!
Number one seed Joe Cullen is eliminated in the first round as Willie O'Connor seals a 6-3 victory with a 12-darter!
📺Up next 👉Rob Cross v Martijn Kleermaker