Snakebite's hopes hit after he was rushed to hospital with suspected gallstones
Saturday 2 December 2017 14:27, UK
Peter Wright was taken to hospital on Thursday and is now a doubt to compete in the PDC World Darts Championship later this month.
The Championships begin at Alexandra Palace on 14 December and No 2 seed Wright was slated to face Brazilian debutant Diogo Portela in the first round.
His wife Jo announced that the third-favourite for the world title is now back home to begin his recuperation, posting on social media: "I'm sorry to announce that Peter was rushed to hospital yesterday.
"He is now back home but unable to do any exhibitions or work until he is well enough to. We would both like to apologise to all fans who have bought tickets to see Snakebite in the run up to Xmas."
Wright defeated Phil Taylor to win the German Darts Masters in October - his first World Series of Darts title.
He then suffered a shock defeat in the first round at the Players Championship in Minehead at the end of last month.
Wright's management compnay added: "Peter Wright will no longer be appearing at upcoming events at Lakeside, Bristol, Ipswich, Portsmouth and Brighton.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are looking to replace Wright with another top professional at next weekend's events."
The 2018 World Championship from Alexandra Palace starts on Thursday, December 14 and ends New Year's Day.
Keep up to date with the news as the PDC celebrates 25 years on Sky Sports. So get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts - don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
