1415: We've just found out that Mick McGowan - defending champion Phil Taylor's next opponent - has upped sticks and headed home to Ireland for the Christmas festivities.

Now, we wouldn't want to deny anyone a family Christmas but given this week's media frenzy about the weather - yes, shock, horror, it was foggy - you have to wonder whether this was the best decision for someone seeking to win the World Championship.

McGowan is due to face Taylor at 2115 GMT on Boxing Day, but he won't leave the Emerald Isle until the morning of the game.

If there's any fog in the Dublin or London area, then there's a real possibility he could miss the biggest match of his career.

To be fair to McGowan he is not a professional, and he'll actually be back at work while he's in Ireland, so it's not as if settling into a hotel for two weeks would have been a real option.

Any way, let's hope there aren't any problems come match day as this is one clash which people have been looking forward to since the draw was made, McGowan having stunned Taylor at a tournament in Holland earlier this season.

The other (last night's thriller between Colin Lloyd and Raymond van Barneveld) lived up to all expectations, so McGowan's rematch with Taylor will be eagerly anticipated.

Oh, and of course what I didn't mention was the forecast - fog isn't expected.

Sorry, but with no action today I had to write something!