JOE Cullen missed out on a second career televised semi-final as he was knocked out in the final tournament before the William Hill World Championships.

The Bradfordian was beaten in a last-leg decider, going down 10-9 to world number three Gerwyn Price in the Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals, live on ITV4.

It had been a solid start to the ranking event for 'The Rockstar', overcoming Adam Hunt, Rob Cross and Ian White to reach the final eight.

A 6-3 win over Hunt was fine revenge for his friend edging him to the knockout stage of the BoyleSports Grand Slam earlier in the month.

2018 world champion Cross was next up. The Wyke ace survived two match darts to take out 83 under pressure.

A much more impressive performance followed over Stoke dartist White. Averaging over 100, he secured a 10-8 victory.

The toughest test was to come on the Sunday though.

Welshman Price has arguably been the best player on tour in 2020, winning the BoyleSports World Grand Prix and the BetVictor World Cup of Darts alongside fellow countryman Jonny Clayton.

Cullen took an early 3-1 lead and hit a 12 darter to go into the first break comfortable.

'The Iceman' responded in style reeling off three legs on the bounce, increasing his average by 10 points.

Although many doubles were being missed by both players, the pair shared legs nine and 10 before the second interval.

It remained level right up until 8-8. A relentless Cullen smashed 52 to keep his throw and put him one away from victory.

A double 18 by last year's runner-up set up a tense finish which on-throw Cullen was favourite for.

However, his opponent checked out 54 to mean the 31-year-old could not progress any further than the quarters.

Van Gerwen went on to capture the trophy after coming through Price (11-8) and veteran Mervyn King 11-10 in the final.