Cullen Aims for Revival in BoyleSports World Grand Prix

Joe Cullen expressed optimism about revamping his approach to professional darts as he prepares to face Daryl Gurney in the second round of the BoyleSports World Grand Prix. The tournament, located at the Mattioli Arena, sees Cullen battling the former 2017 champion for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Cullen’s journey began with a comeback victory over Chris Dobey, overcoming a deficit to secure six out of the last seven legs, showcasing a strong all-around performance. Despite a challenging season on the ProTour, Cullen remains focused on altering his game plan to emerge from a series of disappointing results.

“This year has probably been my worst in at least five years,” Cullen admitted. “I realized something had to change. The near miss in qualifying for this event was a wake-up call, highlighting complacency and off-board issues. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on me,” he added.

With seven Players Championship titles and three European Tour wins, Cullen is determined to capitalize on his talent and secure major titles. Reflecting on his journey, Cullen stated, “I don’t want to be remembered as a player with untapped potential. It’s about maximizing my talent now.”

Highlighting the importance of mentality, Cullen references the rise of top players like Luke Humphries and Michael Smith, noting how mindset can differentiate great players from elite ones. “Once you get the mind right, talent follows,” Cullen explained.

The second round also features exciting clashes such as Gerwyn Price against James Wade and Gary Anderson versus Mike De Decker. Thursday evening’s matches are a prelude to the quarter-finals, with coverage available on Sky Sports and other international broadcasters.