JOE Cullen is currently in Players Championship action in Barnsley, as he warms up for the prestigious World Grand Prix in Leicester.

He starts off in the first round against Mike De Decker next Tuesday, with the Belgian also the Bradford man’s opening opponent at his last major, the World Matchplay back in the summer.

Cullen said: “It’s funny how it works out sometimes.

“I’d not played Mike for two years, then I drew him on the floor at a Players event right before the Matchplay and now I’ve got him again at the Grand Prix.

“It’s something to think about more on his part, because I’ve beaten him the last few times we’ve faced each other, so that might play on his mind.

“Last year I beat Damon Heta in the first round at the Matchplay and the Grand Prix so hopefully I can do the same again.”

Asked if this triple-header of Players Championship action in South Yorkshire can serve him well heading into the Grand Prix, Cullen said: “It depends, because if you have three terrible days, that can go against you.

“But with the Grand Prix, the double start is a leveller, as obviously you have to land one just to get going in the leg.

“It’s probably the third or fourth biggest major and it’s cutthroat in the early rounds, as it’s only the best of three sets.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Joe Cullen (right) bowed out of the World Grand Prix to Gerwyn Price last year.Joe Cullen (right) bowed out of the World Grand Prix to Gerwyn Price last year. (Image: PDC.)

He knows he will face Jonny Clayton or Ross Smith in the next round if he gets through, the former one of his best friends, ranked seventh in the world, the latter someone who beat the Wyke ace at the Grand Prix two years ago.

Cullen said: “I’ve just got to take it one game at a time and for now I’m just focused on getting past Mike.

“But with Ross two years ago, it was just a few days before my mum died, so I probably only turned up for the pay cheque.

“This year, Ross is capable of beating Jonny, even though Jonny will be favourite, and it should be a good game.”

It is an exciting time of year in professional darts, with the Bradfordian saying: “Once the Grand Prix starts, the season starts really.

“You have this, then it’s quickly followed by the European Tour finals, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship finals, then the build up to the Worlds.

“It doesn’t really bother me, the gap between the Matchplay and Grand Prix, because you’ve got an even longer gap between the UK Open and Blackpool.”

As for his form between the Matchplay and Grand Prix, Cullen reflected: “My last couple of events weren’t the best, but I’ve been consistent in reaching semis and quarter-finals before that.

“When you get to those semis, everyone is at the top of their game, but I still missed a couple of darts to win one.

“There’s nothing to worry about, as I’m getting the opportunities.”