A BRADFORD darts superstar is hoping to reverse his fortunes at the "second biggest tournament" of his year this weekend.

Wyke arrowsmith Joe Cullen has found it difficult to get going at the Betfred World Matchplay over the years.

A quarter-final appearance in 2018 is the best it has got for Cullen, who considers the Winter Gardens venue in Blackpool as his "favourite".

The world number 13 hopes to right those wrongs when he opens the 2023 edition on Saturday evening.

"I know that I have got the game to beat anyone. It is just about bringing it out on that stage," Cullen told the T&A.

"It has always been my favourite venue regardless of how I have done there. It is just amazing to play darts in.

"It is the second biggest tournament of the year, so I will be ready for it."

First up for Cullen is the relatively unknown Mike De Decker.

The 46th-ranked player has been on the PDC Tour for the past four years and has recently enjoyed success on the Players Championship circuit.

If successful, a second-round meeting with last year's runner-up Gerwyn Price or Stephen Bunting awaits Cullen.

But the Bradford man, despite being a big favourite, is not underestimating his Belgian opponent.

He added: "When you are floating around 12-16 (in the world rankings), you are going to play one of the top four in the second round.

"On paper, a lot of people may not have heard of Mike, but he has had a solid year on the floor which is why he is there.

"It could have been a lot worse, but if you get complacent you get found out.

"I will be approaching it like I am facing one of the top boys."

'The Rockstar' has failed to hit the heights he set so high in 2022, when he captured The Masters and fell narrowly short in the Premier League final.

However, Cullen still feels his game is in fine fettle, thanks to a couple of semi-final appearances in recent weeks.

"It is weird how darts works," the 33-year-old said.

"It is just about taking your chances when they present themselves. I am playing well enough, and I am happy with where my game is at.

"I have spoken about the Premier League more now than when I was in it (Cullen was not selected for the 2023 season).

"Everyone wants to be in that. I have never said at the start of a year that I want to win this and that, it has always been about progressing.

"I think I am doing well this year but not pulling up any trees. I need to get a tournament win under my belt."