JOE Cullen’s PDC world championship campaign ended at the first hurdle tonight.

Cullen, the number 19 seed, was beaten 3-2 by Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena in a breathless affair at the Alexandra Palace.

The Wyke professional had been targeting a good run in the event with a favourable draw.

But instead he was left contemplating a seventh first-round exit in eight attempts in the biggest tournament of the year.

Wattimena claimed the first set in under five minutes – and Cullen needed less than three to level.

But he dropped the third despite a 13-dart leg, which included two maximums.

Cullen levelled the match at two sets each with another quick-fire fourth.

And he put himself in a strong position in the decider – only to miss four match darts.

Wattimena took the clash to extra legs and won the first two to make it through for the first time in his career.

Both players averaged around 96 and the Dutchman said: “We both played very well and finished very well.”