Joe Cullen showed his darting pedigree to claim the latest PDC Unicorn Youth Tour title in Austria.
The Unicorn star became the 7th winner from seven events, beating Paul Barham 4-2 in the final to claim the £600 prize money.
It is the 21-year-old’s first professional title.
Cullen was the form player throughout the tournament and this victory follows on from his recent appearance in his first ever PDC Pro Tour Final, when he lost to Phil Taylor in a UK Open qualifier.
But things are certainly looking good for Cullen, who will head to Bolton next month as one of the top 32 seeds for the UK Open Finals – and in good form!
“It is a big moment for me,” he said. “The standard in the Unicorn Youth tournaments is so high and I hope this will be a landmark day for me.”
Cullen added: “It is important for me to go to the Reebok for the UK Open in confident mood, because I want to make a big impression.”
He came from 1-2 down in the final and then cashed in after Barham missed doubles…..three consecutive legs and back-to-back D16 finishes and the title belonged to Cullen at the Arena Nova.
His Team Unicorn stablemate Arron Monk fell at the first hurdle, losing 3-1 to Steve Haggerty, who Cullen overcame in the semi-finals.
And young Steffi Luck lost a last leg decider to Fredi Gsellmann
Results – Quarter-Finals:
Steve Haggerty 3-1 Adam Smith-Neale
Joe Cullen 3-2 Reece Robinson
Paul Barham 3-1 Josh Jones
James Rodriguez 3-2 Patrick Kovacs
Semi-Finals:
Joe Cullen 4-3 Steve Haggerty
Paul Barham 4-1 James Rodriguez
Final:
Joe Cullen 4-2 Paul Barham
By STUART PYKE