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Joe Cullen produced a superb display in the second round of the Players Championship tournament on Saturday – and still LOST.

Cullen, a Premier League runner up in 2022, was in inspired form in Barnsley. He racked up an impressive average of 108, boosted by landing seven maximum 180 scores in only ten legs.

But unfortunately for the Englishman, he wasn't as inspired at the oche as compatriot Scott Waites, who somehow progressed with a 6-4 victory. And commentators on PDC TV were left almost as stunned as 'The Rockstar' himself.

READ NOW: Darts star Joe Cullen likes tweets hitting out at Premier League line-up after missing out

Trailing 5-4, Cullen needed to take out 126 to keep his hopes alive, but missed his final dart at bullseye. Waites then duly took out double top, with one pundit shouting: "A 6-4 win against a man averaging nearly 110.

"That is absolutely magnificent resilience from Scott Waites. A brilliant game of darts. Scott Cullen laughing it off, he's played absolutely incredibly there and he's got nothing for it."

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The official PDC Twitter account echoed similar amazement, posting: "WHAT A MATCH! That is absolutely REMARKABLE! Joe Cullen averages 108, lands seven 180s in ten legs, but he LOSES to Scott Waites, who produces a clinical display to book his place in round three at PC3!"

Darts fans reacted by arguing the result shows that averages mean little: "I have always said that averages are overrated as a measure. If you're over 95 and hit high doubles % it can take a hell of a lot to defeat you," said @aim180ltd, while @TheCandle180 added: "Timing, it’s all about timing."

The loss represents another blow to Cullen after he was dealt the bitter setback of being omitted from the Premier League line-up for 2023, despite his run to the final last time out where he was beaten by Michael van Gerwen. And after learning of the news last month, the Bradford man made his feelings known on social media.

"Gutted with my omission from the Premier League! Don't feel it's justified at all if I'm honest…. In fact it's a kick in the balls! But I’m certainly not the only player who rightly feels hard done by! Felt I deserved another chance after been 1mm from winning – been a tough day!!”

READ MORE:

• 'Gutted' Joe Cullen describes Premier League darts omission as a 'kick in the balls'

• Joe Cullen recalls day he lost £150k with one dart and 'only pleasing thing' about ordeal

• Barry Hearn responds to Joe Cullen's Premier League snub rant with 'good luck' message

• Darts

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