Joe Cullen has put himself in pole position to earn a spot in the Premier League playoffs with victory on Week 15 at the O2 Arena.
The 2022 Masters champion started Thursday night in sixth position, three points adrift of fourth-placed Peter Wright, but a semi-final win over the world champion could prove pivotal when it comes to the final week of league action.
After trouncing Wright by a 6-1 scoreline, Cullen had the better of the final against Jonny Clayton, who had earlier defeated Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith.
Although he trailed 2-1, Cullen took three successive legs to seize control that he never gave up, a 62 checkout eventually wrapping up a 6-4 triumph.
Cullen is now ahead of Wright on leg difference, while James Wade is just three points clear in third position after a below-par display versus Wright on his comeback from illness.
Price, Smith and Gary Anderson have already been eliminated from the competition, while Michael van Gerwen can only finish top of the standings if he wins Week 16 and Clayton loses his first match.
Darren Plant
