JOE Cullen has admitted semi-final defeat at the World Grand Prix left “a bitter taste”, as the Wyke ace’s form deserted him at a crucial time.

He had the highest overall average at the tournament heading into the last four, only to then be blown away in straight sets by Luke Humphries, who went on to win the tournament.

Cullen reflected: “I was doing well before the semis started, but it leaves a bitter taste how it all ended, because it was rubbish.

“I didn’t start off well in that first set, my form had deserted me, and I tried too hard to correct it.

“The first two sets we were playing at a similar standard though really, but Luke just found something more than I had in the last two.

“I have no complaints about the 4-0 result, it was my fault it went wrong.”

It was a shame for the Bradford man’s tournament to end in that fashion, having secured emphatic wins over Mike De Decker and Ross Smith, before a thrilling comeback victory over Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals.

Cullen sealed a 3-2 success in that last-eight clash with a sensational 121 checkout, finished off with a bullseye that brought on a raucous celebration.

He laughed: “That’s why my voice is like it is now, it’s not been the same since Friday night.

“If I’d not got that 121, I’d have probably lost, as he had tops to win the leg, then would have had the darts in the decider.

“I had to take the shot on and I made it.”#

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Joe Cullen roars with delight after seeing off Chris Dobey on Friday night.Joe Cullen roars with delight after seeing off Chris Dobey on Friday night. (Image: PDC.)

Cullen said during the tournament that he was glad to be back in the top 10 in the world with this display, but also that the prize money on offer is the real driving force behind players entering so many tournaments.

With the T&A, he reflected: “It just sounds better to say you’re in the top 10, but there’s not much difference from being in the top 16.

“It’s more being in the top 16 of the Pro Tour Order of Merit that gives you the greatest benefits, so I’m not too bothered (about being top 10 in the world).

“And I think we’re all the same on the money thing, because if what was on offer wasn’t so good, you wouldn’t sacrifice so much time travelling, and being away from your family and friends.”

That point is exemplified by the Bradford star’s trip to Hildesheim for the final European Tour Event of the season this weekend, the German Darts Championship, ahead of the prestigious European Championship major in Dortmund later this month.

Cullen said: “I go to Germany on Friday morning, but at this time of year, it’s more about establishing myself in the top 16 of the Pro Tour Order of Merit.

“I’ve qualified for the European Championship already, but I’m only 14th or 15th on the Order of Merit, so I could do with a couple of good wins in Hildesheim to make sure I’m in that top 16, to be seeded for the European events next year.

“That means you’re guaranteed to start in the second round, from where a win is worth £4,000, much more than on the Pro Tour, and you avoid the qualifiers against top players like Gary Anderson and James Wade.

“I’ve been seeded for all the European Tour events this year and haven’t had to go through the qualifiers in the last five years.

“I might have missed this weekend if I hadn’t needed that top 16 spot, as I would have like to go and watch Wigan in the (Super League) Grand Final.”