JOE Cullen kicked off proceedings at the World Grand Prix in Leicester last night, and the Bradford ace claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Mike De Decker in round one.

Cullen now moves on to face Ross Smith in the last-16, the same player who knocked him out of the tournament two years ago just days before the Wyke star’s mum passed away.

Last night saw Cullen make the perfect start, as he checked out 120 against the throw to take the first leg of the match against De Decker.

After winning the next leg too, De Decker pegged him back to level the first set, meaning the Belgian had the darts for the decider.

But while Cullen missed his favourite checkout of 32, De Decker could not land his attempt at 94, with the Bradfordian eventually closing out the set by nailing a shot at double eight.

Cullen moved 2-1 ahead in the second set, and a poor opening throw in the fourth leg meant it looked as if De Decker would take that one to a decider too.

But the Wyke man landed back to back 180s to get back in the driving seat.

Though he missed his initial attempt at a 105 finish, De Decker then missed two darts at double 19 in trying to checkout 98.

That left Cullen with another shot at double eight, which he landed at the first attempt to progress in straight sets.

It was a good comeback from Cullen, who had struggled to make an impression at the recent Players Championship triple-header in Barnsley.

Smith also made it through in straight sets last night, beating the winner of the tournament in 2021, Jonny Clayton, in his first round game.

Cullen and Smith’s second round match takes place tomorrow.