CULLEN WINS MARATHON LEG TO BEAT TRICOLE

By Aaron Nijjar  
 
JOE CULLEN won a 40-DART-LEG against Thibault Tricole at the Austrian Open.  
 
World No. 24 Cullen defeated Tricole 6-2 to advance into the last 16 of the European tournament.  
 
Former Masters champ Cullen averaged just 77.13 in a match that saw both players get stuck on double 1 for over four minutes in a chaotic sixth leg.  
 
The leg, which lasted a staggering seven minutes, eventually ended when Cullen hit a 40-darter and thumped in Double 1 to hold his throw and move 5-1 up. 
 
‘The Rockstar’ admitted he suggested a coin toss to Tricole so they could settle the marathon leg.  
 
He said: “It was one of those normally when your stood behind you get a feeling the other guy will hit it. 
 
“But I thought he has no chance of hitting it and I knew I had no chance either. 
 
“At one point I said shall we flip a coin?
 
“I don’t think I would have been as jovial if I was on the losing end of it. 
 
“Who cares I won. The first five legs I thought I played quite well. 
 
“The first leg was a bit iffy but after that I settled into the game. 
 
“At any standard that just proves whether it be professional, pub darts or youth darts that leg is still in there for somebody.” 
 
Despite the struggles, Cullen managed to find a moment of brilliance to close out the match, sealing victory with a superb 120 checkout.  
 
Bradford thrower Cullen made a strong start to the season as he reached the final of the Players Championship One and won Event Five — his first title since 2022.   
 
However, since then Cullen has struggled for form on the ProTour after failing to make it past the third round of a tournament.  
 
Cullen will be hoping to rediscover his best in Graz as he aims to lift his fourth European crown.  
 
Image by Taylor Lanning.