Thornton speaks ahead of Last 16 clash with Anderson: 'I've got the hunger back'

Thornton said in an interview with The Darts Show Podcast that he has the hunger back and that despite his wife going through medical problems, he has tried to put it to the back of his mind and try and be the Thorn of old again.

Ahead of facing Anderson, he is looking forward to it but has the mentality of whatever happens, happens when he takes on his fellow Scot.

"Do you know what? I've got the hunger back," he said speaking to The Darts Show Podcast.

"My wife's been through a lot of medical problems the last two years.

"This weekend, we've tried to put it to the back of our minds. I've turned up, try to be the Thorn that I can be. My wife is 100 per cent behind me.

"She said to me, 'you're the Thorn, you're the one nobody wants to play'."

"I never qualified for this until the Monday before," he continued. "I had a 106 average against Max Hopp [in the qualfiers]. I hit seven 180s in eight legs. I felt really confident, and I still feel really confident.

"I look forward to Thursday night when I'm playing, and whatever happens, happens.

"I'm actually excited getting here and keeping going."