Joe Cullen has big Part to play in first round of PDC World Darts Championship

The Wyke thrower, who takes on three-time world champion John Part in the first round, will be appearing at the Alexandra Palace showdown for the third year.

But this will be the first that he has sampled a Saturday night atmosphere – and the 23-year-old is buzzing at the prospect.

Cullen said: “I’ve only ever played there on a Tuesday before. It’s been good but not packed out like this will be.

“It’s prime time and I’m right before (Phil) Taylor so the place is going to be absolutely rocking. I can’t wait.”

Cullen’s previous experience of the blue riband event in the PDC calendar has ended in defeat to Terry Jenkins on both occasions. Coincidently, the Bull lies in wait for the winner of the 9pm clash in Friday’s second round.

But first Cullen must overcome Part, whose form has been decidedly patchy this year.

The Canadian, who last won the world crown in 2008, has struggled to qualify for any of the other majors.

Cullen qualified by finishing 36th on the ProTour order of merit, claiming the fifth of 16 spots available for those players who weren’t entered automatically. But he holds the upper hand on Part.

The pair have met three times before with Cullen winning two of them. And the former postman – who is half his opponent’s age – has an extra incentive to keep that run going because dad Frank will be in the London audience for the first time.

He added: “Dad has been to the UK Open before but never the worlds. My mum goes and it’s always good to see some familiar faces in the crowd.

“I feel good and I’ve got a decent record against Part. I remember beating him a couple of years ago in Las Vegas.

“I’d love to get through and then play Terry Jenkins again. I’ve had a look at the draw and I’m in Taylor’s quarter – but if you get that far you’d fancy beating anybody!

“But I’m just concentrating on beating John Part. I'm going down today to get a feel of the place and it’s going to be brilliant.”