"This title is one that nobody can take away from you": Cullen spurred on to banish Ally Pally demons with World Darts Championship title tilt

Joe Cullen will head into the PDC World Darts Championship this year after the best year of his darting career to date sealing the Masters and reaching the Premier League Darts final going a width of a wire away from beating Michael van Gerwen.

Cullen has done well to spur himself on following family heartbreak last year with the passing of his mother with a cafe opened in her memory which he works in a few days a week alongside his wife.

“I think subconsciously, that is what spurred me on,” said Cullen.

“Me and my wife thought it would be a good business venture, and it probably couldn’t have gone much better to be honest.

"It’s busy every day. I actually do a couple of days’ work in there and I enjoy it.

“It keeps you grounded, and the people who come in the café have grown up in the village, so it’s something away from darts.”

But after a poor record at Ally Pally in the past failing to get past the fourth round, Cullen is buoyed to have a maiden run to the latter stages and win it.

“If I can get myself in the position to potentially win it, I’ve got no doubt that I will get over the line,” continued Cullen.

“To get over the line in my first final shows that I can do it, even though it did take me a few darts!

“This title is one that nobody can take away from you. You will always be known as a World Champion.

“That is what we all play for, and that’s where all roads lead come this time of year.”