‘Viking’ stable after experiencing breathing difficulties

ANDY FORDHAM was last night in a “stable” condition in a Surrey hospital after being taken ill shortly before his first-round match at the Lakeside World Championship in Frimley Green.

‘The Viking’, winner of the title in 2004, had been due to play Australia’s Simon Whitlock in a contest due to be televised live by the BBC at 6pm.

But at 5.30pm it became apparent the 44-year-old Londoner was not well enough to compete as he was experiencing breathing difficulties caused by a severe chest infection from which he had been suffering for a few days.

Fordham received treatment from paramedics just outside the practice area and an ambulance was called to the scene.

Wearing an oxygen mask, the 26-stone player was carried out of the venue on a stretcher to an ambulance that had been summoned in a 999 call and taken to Frimley Park Hospital.

A spokesperson for the hospital subsequently confirmed the Dartford publican’s condition was stable.

Fordham’s son Raymond, who had visited his father, said: “They are doing routine checks and he is okay but they are keeping him in overnight just to make sure. He is as well as can be expected.”

Robert Holmes, spokesman for the British Darts Org. added: “Andy was stabilised in the ambulance and the ECG reading showed no problems, but he has a severe chest infection.”

Fordham appeared on ITV programme Celebrity Fit Club in 2005 and lost four stone in weight, but the commercial commitments he undertook after his World Championship win affected his form.

In November 2004 he had suffered an asthma attack during a break in his ‘unification’ clash with PDC champion Phil Taylor and had to pull out when losing 5-2.

Whitlock, who beat Fordham 3-0 in the first round last year, went forward to a meeting with Holland’s Niels de Ruiter – a 3-0 winner over Brian Woods – but was more concerned with the welfare of his ailing opponent.

“I hope Andy is okay,” said the 37-year-old. “Olly Croft (of the BDO) came up to me half an hour before the match and said Andy wasn’t fit to play, that he was having trouble breathing.

“I was really looking forward to the match. I’ve been up since 2.30am and haven’t had any sleep since then, just preparing to play, and obviously I’m a little disappointed that it’s off because I’ve a lot of friends over shere supporting me.

“But as long as Andy is okay, that’s the main thing.”

John Walton, the 2001 champion, had to take centre stage in Fordham’s absence and made hard work of reaching the second round with a 3-2 victory over Denmark’s Brian Sorensen.

The Yorkshireman was two legs down in the final set and therefore only one away from defeat, but found some big scores when it mattered to turn the match in his favour.