Joe Cullen

Darts results: Joe Cullen defeats Michael van Gerwen to win the International Darts Open

By Chris Hammer

23:14 · SUN October 25, 2020

Joe Cullen won the second European Tour title of his career by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the International Darts Open final in Riesa.

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Just over a year after overcoming MVG 8-5 to claim his maiden title in front of a crowd at the European Darts Championship, the Bradford thrower repeated the same impressive feat by the same scoreline to maintain his 100% record against the world number one in finals, even if it is 'only' two out of two.

Cullen's fourth ranking title overall - and first of the season - seals his spot at the Grand Slam of Darts, while the £25,000 first prize lifts him back into the world's top 16 and also secures him top seeding for next weekend's televised European Championship in Germany.

The Rockstar played superbly in all departments against van Gerwen and despite losing the opening leg to a 116 checkout, he rattled in a couple of 13-darters and another two in 14 to open up a 5-3 lead.

MVG wouldn't lie down and stayed in touch at 5-4 and 6-5 down but he was unable to earn a dart at a double in the next two legs as Cullen held his nerve to claim the title.

The 31-year-old averaged 97.19 compared to the Dutchman's 91.37, hit four of the five 180s in the match and pinned eight of his 14 attempts at doubles as MVG spurned nine of his 14.

Cullen said: "Michael just didn't get going, luckily for me. I didn't think I was too great either but I won and surely I must be in the Grand Slam now?! I don't think I've come close to losing [this weekend] but I've done enough in every game and I've won the title."

MVG has now failed to win a European Tour event in a season for the first time since 2012 but considering there's only been four of them this year, it's hardly reason to add more fuel to the 'crisis' talk, especially considering he also reached last weekend's final against Jose De Sousa.

Cullen began his campaign by defeating Robert Marijanovic 6-1 with a 101.27 on Saturday while he only needed to post a mark of 89.24 to see off Dave Chisnall by the same scoreline during Sunday's afternoon session.

He defied Ross Smith's 100 average - albeit with a 99 of his own - during the quarter-finals as he overcame Gerwyn Price's conqueror 6-4 before easing past Michael Smith 7-3 to reach his second ranking final since the sport resumed back in July.

Cullen's ruthlessness on the outer ring was crucial in his victory over Bully Boy, who had only dropped four legs in his previous four matches, as he pinned seven of his nine doubles.

Van Gerwen averaged under 90 in both of his first two victories this weekend against Madars Razma (6-4) and Andy Hamilton (6-5), who missed a match dart at bullseye, but he upped his game dramatically to see off James Wade 6-3 with a mark of 102.

His averaged dropped to below 90 once again during an arduous battle with Mensur Suljovic - but an otherwise arduous semi-final did reach a thrilling climax as the Austrian missed match darts in the penultimate leg before MVG punished him with a match-winning 140 checkout in the decider.

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