JOE Cullen is gearing up for a much more enjoyable World Grand Prix experience next week, after the tragedy that followed his last appearance at the the tournament.

The Bradford thrower admits he was “not a**ed” about the event last year, given his mum was seriously ill with cancer at the time.

He suffered a 2-0 defeat to underdog Ross Smith in the opening game on October 3, with his mum passing away just six days later.

Cullen told the T&A: “It was just before my mum died, and I was just not a**ed last year.

“I was nowhere near the level I’m capable of in that game against Ross, so it will be nice to go into it this year with a fresh start.”

The Wyke native, whose opener in the 2022 edition is against Damon Heta this coming Tuesday, does not have the greatest record in the World Grand Prix, with his best effort to date a run to the last-eight in 2020.

Cullen said: “I think I’m right in saying I was 2-0 up in that quarter-final against Dave Chisnall and lost it 3-2 as well.

“In the Grand Prix, it doesn’t matter if you’re world number one or 31, the double start is a real leveller.

“It’s a massive thing to have to start on a double at this tournament, as it’s hard enough to finish a leg on one.

“To win the tournament would be massive for me but any game in this format is tough.”

Cullen’s most recent competitive action was at a European Open event in Belgium last weekend, where he lost a high-quality last-16 clash 6-4 to Danny Noppert.

The Bradford star said: “I’ve had a bit of luck on the European Tour in the last few weeks, like my comeback win against Chizzy (Chisnall) in Amsterdam.

“So it was typical that in a game I was really pleased with and did well in against Danny, I didn’t get that luck.

“I’ve had plenty of the rub of the green before though, and these things happen.

“Danny looked dangerous at the tournament and his finishing is really good, so he’ll be a threat at the Grand Prix given the format.”

Noppert eventually lost 7-4 in the semis to Chisnall, who went on to claim his first title in over three years after beating Andrew Gilding 8-6 in the final.

Chisnall is one of the most popular players on the circuit, and Cullen was delighted for his fellow Northerner.

The Bradfordian said: “Chizzy and I speak quite a lot and are good mates.

“Sometimes a guy might win a tournament and you might think they’ve not deserved it, but you can’t begrudge someone like Chizzy getting a title.

“He lost his mum last year like I did, and it’s a big thing to have to play through, losing a parent you’re close to like that.

“I’m made up for him winning that title in Belgium and we actually caught the same flight back to the UK from the tournament.

“Let’s just say he was a bit rough from all that celebrating.”