It`s Been A Terrible Time Says The Thorn

ROBERT THORNTON isn't scared of anyone at the world championship — after fearing he would die from pneumonia.

The Thorn has revealed for the first time his terrifying ordeal when he blacked out after a coughing fit and was rushed into Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.
Docs diagnosed pneumonia and gave him injections to stop blod clots as the Ayrshire ace battled for his life.
Thornton, who kicks off his title tilt against Ian White at the Alexandra Palace today, said: "I've been through hell. It's been a nightmare.
"I came back from the Players Championship in Canada in late August and the cough I had before I went out just wouldn't go away.
"The local doc said I had a chest infection, but just a few days later I had a coughing fit and blacked out.
"Next thing I know, it's three days later and I'm in Crosshouse.
"The medics were really worried I was going to get blood clots so were giving me jabs to stop that. It was a terrifying time.
"I was so rough, I didn't think I was going to pull through it, to be honest.
"Darts hasn't really featured at all — it's just been about getting myself healthy.
"The docs reckon it will take between six months and a year for me to get fully fit again."
Thornton, 44, has had a rollercoaster ride of emotions since joining the PDC.
He broke the record for rising up the world rankings — up 180 places in just nine months — and only narrowly lost two great battles with Phil Taylor in TV major semis and finals. But it all went pear-shaped after a ruck at home which saw him arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife Christine following an argument.
He pleaded guilty to the charge to get bail, but was cleared on good behaviour.
As his form slumped, Thornton also admitted he was downing a bottle of Southern Comfort for BREAKFAST and that the booze was wrecking his career.
However, Thornton has now cleaned up his act as he battles back from illness.
He said: "Thanks to the support of my family I feel I'm back on track. If it wasn't for them, my career would probably be over — the illness really floored me.
"But I'm enjoying the game again and I've been playing well. I know if I produce the form I'm capable of then I can have a good run."
Thornton faces a tricky opponent in 'Diamond' White.
The Stoke player, whose walk-on tune is Play That Funky Music (White Boy), qualified for the final of the News of the World championship in 1997 — losing to Taylor — and this year reached the UK Open Qualifier final, losing to Steve Brown.
The winner will then face defending champ Adrian Lewis in the second round.
But Thornton said: "It doesn't really matter who I'm playing, all the matches are tough.
"If I get through, I'm not worried about playing Adrian. He's got all the pressure on his shoulders."
East Lothian-born Peter Wright kicks off today's action against former BDO champ Jelle Klaasen.
Wright, who now lives in Lowestoft, is well-known for his multi-coloured mohican haircut, but has now added a cutting edge to his game — and is aiming for a semi-final place.
He said: "The way my game is going on TV, I know I can go all the way to the semis.
"That's my ambition and to get a wild card place in the Premier League."