BRADFORD'S Joe Cullen is never involved in a dull encounter, and that was evident again this past weekend when he played in one of the best matches at this year's Ladbrokes UK Open.

'The Rockstar' lived up to his nickname by going to a final leg decider with world number eight Michael Smith, losing out narrowly 10-9.

The former postman from Wyke was aiming to go further than he had ever done in the competition, the quarter-finals in 2016 where he lost 10-7 to eventual finalist Peter Wright in Minehead.

A 16/1 shot, Cullen came into the 'FA Cup of darts' in good form after collecting the the first Player Championships accolade in 2021.

With his number 16 seeding entitling entry at the fourth round stage, in his way was a former world finalist, Smith.

In a high scoring affair, where each competitor hit six 180s across the 19 legs, it seemed the Bradfordian was on his way to a convincing victory after steaming into a 5-1 lead.

Not to be defeated though the St Helens man, who averaged 101.57 on the night, came back and forced a dramatic last-leg settler on the Milton Keynes stage.

Cullen almost claimed a hat-trick of ton-plus finishes but a missed double 10 for 128 meant he left the door open for his hungry opponent.

Smith duly took advantage by completing an 11-dart leg which booked him a last 32 tie with reigning Grand Slam champion José de Sousa.

The Portuguese thrower would end up winning that contest 10-9 before falling out to three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen by the same scoreline a round later.

James Wade was the man to take the trophy for a third time, beating Luke Humphries 11-5 in the final of the televised event.