OUT-OF-FORM Joe Cullen saw his darting struggles this season continue in Germany on Friday night.

The Wyke man had been out in the country supporting England at Euro 2024 anyway, but knew he would have to switch into professional sportsman mode for the eighth PDC European Tour event of the year in Leverkusen.

World number 15 Cullen was handed a relatively kind draw at the European Darts Open, pitted against the unheralded Owen Bates in the opening round.

But the Bradford man struggled in what was a poor quality match, with both players averaging well under 90.

Bates broke Cullen’s throw in the opening leg of the match, and never relinquished his advantage, going on to claim a 6-4 victory.

The Bradfordian was at less than 30 per cent on his doubles, with his highest checkout a measly 49.

That shock win for world number 109 Bates put him into a second-round clash with Danny Noppert, which saw him gain another impressive victory.

He put away the Dutchman 6-5 to advance into a last-16 tie with Stephen Bunting, which is where his run came to an end.

A ludicrous display from the world number 16 saw him average an astonishing 117.12, the fourth-best match average in the history of the European Tour.

But Bunting failed to maintain that level in his quarter-final, as he was knocked out 6-5 in a thriller against Damon Heta.

The Australian was crushed 7-1 by Dave Chisnall in his last-four game however, setting up a final between the St Helens native and Ross Smith.

And in a thrilling denouement to the tournament, Chisnall took home the title, his seventh European Tour crown, with an 8-6 win over Smith.

Dave Chisnall claimed victory in a thrilling final out in Leverkusen last night. Dave Chisnall claimed victory in a thrilling final out in Leverkusen last night. (Image: Jonas Hunold/PDC Europe.)

After a cagey start, Chisnall stole a march, reeling off three consecutive legs to establish a 6-3 lead.

Smith fought back brilliantly to level at 6-6, but Chisnall held his nerve to wrestle back the advantage and claim victory.

The likes of Noppert and Heta are involved In this week’s World Cup of Darts for their respective countries in Frankfurt.

As for Cullen, Chisnall and the rest, their next outings will be in the less glamourous  surroundings of Milton Keynes, for Players Championship events 13 and 14 next Tuesday and Wednesday.