Fordham ready for toughest battle

Taylor wins as Fordham withdraws

Former BDO World Darts champion Andy Fordham says he is determined to sort out his health problems in order to reclaim the crown he won last year.

The 42-year-old was knocked out in the first round this time around after suffering a series of health scares over the last few months.

"It is great feeling to be world champion and I want to try and get that back," he told BBC Sport.

"I've got to get sorted out and I'm going to work really hard."

Fordham's well-publicised health problems came to head last November when he pulled out of the contest with PDC rival Phil Taylor.

Taylor was leading 5-2 when Fordham asked for a break as he was having difficulty breathing and later he suffered an asthma attack.

He also missed the Dutch Open and the World Trophy because of chest pains and a broken wrist respectively.

I push myself as much as I can and hopefully I'll see the results quite soon Andy Fordham

In order to sort out the health problems, Fordham is now on television programme "Celebrity Fit Club" and is battling hard to lose weight and get fit.

"I played that match against Phil and ended up going off and nearly fainting, it certainly rammed a few things home," he said.

"I was going to do 'Celebrity Fit Club' for a bit of fun but when that happened I thought 'you will have to sort yourself out'.

"It was the wake-up call I needed. You think you are alright but I got a kick up the backside and I've got to do something about it.

"I don't crave the publicity, the fit club thing was having someone to push me because if I had to do it on my own I don't think I would have done."

Fordham was defeated 3-2 by Vincent van der Voort this week

Fordham, who runs a pub, is also grateful to his fellow players who have helped him ease into his new healthier lifestyle.

"I won't be able to stop the drinking just like that but I've hopefully cut it in half and if you cut what I drink in half that is a hell of a lot," he said.

"I've been drinking loads of water, and I've never drunk water.

"I've gone into the players' bar and no-one has said have a beer. They know what I am doing.

"I'm quite surprised because I thought I might get the hump. To the people that have supported me - thank you."

Fordham is now looking ahead to 2005 and is fully focused on getting back to the top level of the game.

"I didn't travel to any competitions last year, there was so much going on," he said.

"This year there is not so much and I'm going to get as many competitions as I can and get my form back up and get back to the Lakeside for next year.

"If I go under 20 stone it will be magic. I've been in the gym the last three mornings and that's not for telly that's for my own good.

"There's going to be highs and lows. It's been painful I have to admit, in the mornings my knees are killing me but it is going okay.

"I'm quite enjoying it really, I push myself as much as I can and hopefully I'll see the results quite soon."

Quotes of the week: Lakeside gems