BRADFORD'S Joe Cullen was left to rue missed chances as he crashed out of the Betfred World Matchplay 11-9 to Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh.

The 'Rockstar' marched into a commanding 8-5 lead before losing six out of the last seven legs to allow the world number 26 to book his place in the quarter finals of the competition.

Cullen had produced a comeback of his own to reach this stage after knocking out the seeded Ian White on a last leg decider on Monday.

Although, this last 16 tie wasn't the highest scoring affair, with both averages below the 94 mark, it was a match full of high checkouts.

Three ton plus finishes was scored in the opening four legs of this first televised meeting between the pair. The dancing Belgian, who was making his debut at the tournament, starting with 105 and 118 finishes, while Cullen smashed in a 132 to eventually lead at the break 3-2.

The 31-year-old, who had only lost one out of their five previous encounters, would confidently take the next mini session by the same score too, putting aside Van den Bergh's 138 by placing his doubles away efficiently.

A double eight in the 12th produced the roar, which was witnessed against White, and he would fire even more impressively in the following leg, shooting an 11 darter. Surely there was now only one winner with the West Yorkshireman two breaks in front?

Van den Bergh would not be denied though as he reeled off the next four legs, including a 104 checkout, to take a surprise lead. The real sucker punch for Cullen was when he missed three at double in the 16th.

The world number 18 had no need to worry though with the match still on throw. He stopped the rot by hitting tops to seal a remarkable 118 finish.

It looked like we were heading into extra time, in the first to 11 encounter, after Van den Bergh held with ease in the 19th.

The 28-year-old wanted this over though and put the throw advantage aside to fire a 180 causing the nervy Cullen to fault. Tension was felt by both men as the victor wasted five match darts before taking out a double 10.

Despite there being no quarter final repeat for Cullen, who reached the round in 2018 losing to eventually winner Gary Anderson, he can take some solace away from his week in Milton Keynes after banishing his demons to avenge the White whitewash.