2019-20 PDC World Darts Championship – Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz taking place? Friday 20^th December, 2019 – evening

Where is Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz taking place? Alexandra Palace, London

What channel is Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz on? Sky Sports Darts

Where can I stream Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for Joe Cullen vs Nico Kurz? https://www.pdc.tv/william-hill-world-darts-championship-tickets

What was the outcome in the last meeting? No previous meetings

THE PLAYERS

JOE CULLEN

• This is Joe Cullen’s tenth consecutive appearance at the PDC World Championship and he will be looking to improve on a miserable record that has seen him win just two of his previous 11 matches at the tournament.
• Last year at Alexandra Palace he lost 3-0 to Brendan Dolan having hit only one of his 17 attempts at the doubles. That was his sixth defeat in straight sets at the PDC World Championship.
• Cullen has tasted success on the PDC tour in 2019 with a win at the PDC European Matchplay in September when he notably defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final. He has not made much of an impact in the big TV tournaments so far this season though.

NICO KURZ

• World Championship debutant Nico Kurz produced a strong performance in defeating former BDO number one James Wilson 3-1 to reach round two.
• The German youngster posted an average of just under 96 and came close to landing a nine-dart finish, only missing on D12 in his bid to record the perfect leg on the biggest stage of all.
• His display against Wilson was further evidence of the talent that he showed in defeating Gary Anderson at the German Darts Masters earlier this year.

THE PREDICTION

Alexandra Palace has certainly not been a good venue for Joe Cullen. Barring his performance against Corey Cadby three years ago his displays have been very underwhelming, especially for someone who is capable of so much more. Cullen is unlikely to have things his own way in this match as he seeks to improve on that record with Nico Kurz showing no signs that he will fear the task ahead of him, and the German youngster certainly has the talent to trouble the seeded player and come through a tight contest.