THE notion 'Christmas is cancelled' has effected us all in some way over the last few days. None more so than one of Bradford's biggest sporting stars as it could mean Christmas away from his family.

This will not faze Joe Cullen though as he continues his quest to claim top spot in darts by attempting to go far in this year's William Hill World Championship.

With the Government plunging London into tier 4, Cullen is facing the daunting prospect of spending Christmas alone if he expectedly wins his opening match.

The world number 16 travelled down south on Saturday to then isolate in his room, awaiting his Covid test results.

On Sunday, he was given the all clear and is now champing at the bit to get going in this afternoon's session.

He said: "It is a good problem to have. I have never got past Christmas in all the time I have played down here.

"I was planning on doing some Christmas shopping but with the tier 4 coming in, everywhere is shut now so there is not much to do.

"If I am lucky enough to go home over Christmas, I definitely will be, but if circumstances dictate, I will stay over here like (Michael) Van Gerwen and a few of the other boys.

"Hopefully I will still be in the tournament and I will assess it then."

'The Rockstar' must look beyond his previous showings at the worlds to progress though, having only won the one match in 10 goes at Alexandra Palace.

In his way this time out is former semi finalist Wayne Jones.

However, the experienced player does not have the best record against Cullen, losing their last five meetings.

He added: "Wayne is a quality player. If he plays well, I will have it all to do.

"My best game beats his best game and it would be enough for me to get through.

"I am sure Wayne will be well aware of my track record down here so I am sure he will fancy it just as much as I will. It should be a good game."

Cullen has enjoyed a stellar end to a crazy 2020, capturing a couple of trophies and reaching the final eight in two televised tournaments.

Asked whether his form is down to there being no crowds, which will be the case at the worlds, he replied: "Maybe subconsciously (it has helped).

"There has been some shock results on the tour that maybe wouldn't have happened if a crowd was there.

"In this Covid period, I think I have dealt with it better than some of the other players."

So, how does he rate his chances of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy come January 3?

"Out of all the appearances that I have had here, there have been a couple when I have been shocking and deserved what I have got. Other times I have been unlucky.

"You can’t go into the World Championships relying on luck, you have got to do it yourself.

"I was hoping it got moved to Coventry then I may have had more of a chance (laughs)."