WRIGHT BACK ON THE OCHE AFTER SCARE

WOrlD No 2 Peter Wright has declared himself fit to take part in his World Championship firstround match at alexandra Palace tonight despite worries over his health.

The 47-year-old (below) was rushed to hospital with suspected gallstones three weeks ago, forcing him to cancel all of his exhibition appearances in early December.

Wright, who has been recovering at his home in suffolk, has lost almost two stone and is taking medication but will take to the oche with Brazilian Diogo Portela.

The UK Open champion, nicknamed ‘ snakebite’ and best known for his multicoloured mohawk, was one of the pretournament favourites but the ailment has severely interrupted his preparation.

‘I’m still waiting to hear back from the doctors following my scan and it might be that I need some further treatment in the next few weeks,’ said last year’s semi-finalist. ‘But I’ve done everything I can to recover so far.’