The Thorn Out Of Action

ROBERT THORNTON could be ruled out of action for the rest of 2011 after being struck down with PNEUMONIA.

The Thorn was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital at the weekend after complaining of chest pains, breathing problems and headaches.
Docs have since diagnosed pneumonia and conducted tests on potential blood clots caused by his recent long-haul flights to Canada and back.
Thornton, 44, said: "It sort of makes sense now. I had been feeling really odd since my flight out to Canada two weeks ago. When I was out there I wasn't with it at all and I'd two dreadful results, I really felt rough.
"It was the same when I got back and at the next weekend's Pro Tournaments in Derby I only felt about 30 per cent fit. I ached from head to toe and I was short of breath, I was starting to worry.
"It was getting worse and my wife Chrissy phoned the hospital. They sent an ambulance straight away and it's probably just as well.
"I'm very weak and tired but the docs are extra concerned about the possibility of blood clots caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis from the long haul flights.
"I'm in the right place, let's just hope I can get better day by day."
Thornton suffered a nightmare trip after Air Canada lost his luggage including his darts.
He crashed out early in both events leaving his chances of qualifying for major TV tourneys on a knife-edge.
He added: "I couldn't understand why I was off colour. I'd played well in the UK Open making the quarter-finals, but I just couldn't get myself up for these recent events.
"In a way I'm relieved to know what is wrong with me. Now I've just got to get myself up and about again.
"My next scheduled competitive event is the Pro Tour in Nuland, Holland later this month but it's unlikely I will be strong enough.
"My main aim is just to get out of hospital right now. Darts isn't a priority."
MARTIN ADAMS has beaten Adrian Lewis in an unofficial clash of the World Champions.
The BDO No1 pipped the PDC supremo at the Circus Tavern but Lewis dismissed his defeat.
He said: "I was showboating. I had a 150 checkout, tried to win with three bulls and missed. It was just fun."