BRADFORD'S Joe Cullen can take plenty of positives from the opening round of the Players Championships after capturing his first ranking title of the year and reaching a final, losing out to a rejuvenated Raymond van Barneveld.

Picking up from where he left off, winning the previous version of the tournament in 2020, the Wyke ace beat Jonny Clayton 8-7 in the first of four events at the Bolton Whites Hotel.

Cullen beat Ryan Meikle, Ryan Murray, Scott Waites, Chris Dobey and Gabriel Clemens, before triumphing 7-4 over Premier League star Nathan Aspinall in the last four.

The 'Rockstar' was not at his best in the final, averaging 86.5, his lowest of the day and six less than Clayton.

The Ladbrokes Masters champion went two up before Cullen responded by reeling off three consecutive legs.

It was nip and tuck until a double ten finally gave the Bradfordian a two-leg advantage to lead 7-5.

Clayton broke back with a 108 checkout, and a double seven sent the contest to a last-leg decider.

On throw Cullen left 90 after nine darts, but missed doubles almost handed the Welshman a chance to take out 56. The match-winning double ten came at the sixth attempt to seal the £10,000 prize.

Speaking to the PDC, he said: "Winning the first tournament is a perfect start to what I believe will be a big year for me."

"It wasn't the best final. It's hard playing against Jonny because he's a great friend and he's got such a relaxed attitude about the game.

"Previously when I've felt uncomfortable in games I've been beaten, but lately I feel like I've got a chance of winning games even when I'm playing badly. It's a brilliant feeling to have.

"I've been putting the work in. I gave myself a week-and-a-half off after Ally Pally and then got back on the practice board, so I'm pleased it's paying off."

Sandwiched between defeats to Steve Beaton (6-2) and Daryl Gurney (6-4), Cullen found himself in another final on Saturday against a former five-time world champion.

Van Barnelveld, fresh from claiming a PDC Tour Card after a year out, defeated the world number 16 8-6 to bag his first ranking title since 2013.

Cullen started like a steam train with a hat trick of 13-darts before the Dutchman, who had won the pair's last four meetings, pinned double 16 to level at 4-4.

A couple of ton-plus finishes were followed by both players missing doubles. The 53-year-old eventually held his nerve to smash 80 in two darts and go 7-6 up.

The outer ring remained Cullen's nemesis, squandering seven chances before 'Barney' hit a double three on his seventh attempt to clinch glory.