JOE Cullen suffered an upset exit in the first round of the Unibet World Grand Prix in Dublin.

The Bradford darts ace has shot up to 15th in the world this year and was hotly tipped to do well in the televised tournament.

But he fell on the opening day as he went down 2-1 to Dutchman Ron Meulenkamp to miss out on a clash with defending champion Darryl Gurney.

Cullen was whitewashed in the first set but hit back to level.

He missed two darts to take a 2-1 lead in the third set and was punished by left-handed Meulenkamp making his Dublin debut.