VAL D'ISERE, France (AFP) - Newly-crowned double world gold medallist Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery Tuesday on her right thumb after she cut it on a champagne bottle celebrating her feats.

But the 24-year-old American's chances of competing in Thursday's giant slalom event were listed only as "possible" by the US Ski Team's medical director, Richard Quincy.

Vonn received four stitches in her thumb after picking up a bottle of champagne opened with the edge of a ski and trying to spray it over guests attending a private party on Monday following her victory in the downhill at the World Ski Championships.

But she quit Val d'Isere to consult a specialist near Innsbruck, Austria, where initial examinations showed a lesion on her thumb tendon that necessitated surgery, performed by Christian Fink of Privatklinik Hochrum.

"The surgery went fine and we're appreciative of the care she had from Dr Fink and Privatklinik Hochrum," said Quincy.

"She will have a splint and should be able to grip her ski pole. We anticipate she will be ready to compete in Saturday's slalom and possibly the giant slalom Thursday."

Vonn, who will stay in the clinic overnight and travel back to the French resort on Wednesday, added: "Everything went really well and I couldn't be more thankful for the care that I've received.

"The support I've received from my fans has been awesome and I'm looking forward returning to Worlds and challenging for another medal."

The US team earlier said: "It is not anticipated that she (Vonn) will miss any individual competitions."

The current leader of the World Cup overall standings, who also won the Super-G here, is scheduled to compete in the giant slalom and also Saturday's closing slalom.

"I really think I'm safer skiing downhill at 85 miles per hour," joked Vonn. "I'm in a little bit of pain, but this shouldn't slow me down."