Darts player Joe Cullen has credited a simple yet impactful piece of advice from a rival for his success in the sport. The world No. 31 recently advanced to the second round of the World Grand Prix after defeating opponent James Wade.
Career Highlights and Advice from Richie Burnett
This year has seen Cullen achieve notable milestones, including winning the Players Championship 27. He attributes much of his performance to how he feels on stage.
Following his victory over Wade, Cullen shared, “My practice may be excellent, but my play heavily depends on my feelings. If I’m not feeling great, it affects my game.” He emphasized the importance of mental state during performances and how negativity can lead to self-doubt.
A crucial tip came from fellow player Richie Burnett, who once remarked, “If you overcomplicate darts, apart from throwing darts at a dartboard, you’ll come unstuck.” Cullen humorously referred to Burnett as an “absolute idiot” but acknowledged that the advice resonated with him over time.
World Grand Prix Darts: Event Overview
The World Grand Prix Darts is a cornerstone event in the darts calendar, currently taking place in Leicester. It attracts thousands of fans and features the best players in the world.
- Defending champion: Mike De Decker
- Top seed: Luke Humphries, last year’s losing finalist
- Notable struggle: Reigning world champion Luke Littler, who was eliminated in the last 32 in both 2024 and 2025
James Wade’s Critique of Modern Darts
In a related note, James Wade voiced concerns about the current state of the sport, describing players’ personalities as “robotic.” He reminisced about the unique characters of the past, such as Phil Taylor and Wayne Mardle, contrasting them with today’s more uniform players.
Wade believes this change has detracted from the game’s richness, stating, “The game is poorer in some ways because of that.” Despite the evolution of the sport, he remains passionate about darts and its history.
As the World Grand Prix continues, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches and insights from the players. Cullen’s journey and Burnett’s advice serve as reminders of the psychological aspect of sports and the importance of staying grounded amidst competition.
