IRELAND’S KEN DOHERTY has booked his place at this year’s Dafabet World Championship having missed out on competing for snooker’s biggest prize last year.
The 44-year-old Dubliner, who is the 1997 champion, defeated Dechawat Poomjaeng of Thailand 10-5 and will be the oldest player in Thursday’s draw ahead of his 19th appearance at the Crucible.
“This match is the hardest to play, it’s so nerve-racking,” Doherty told worldsnooker.com. “Once you’ve got to the Crucible there is less pressure because at least you’ve made it and you are part of the tournament.
“You see the likes of Williams and Dott struggling because it means so much. We have been there for a long time and we just want to be part of it. I lost to Jimmy Robertson a few years ago and to Matt Selt last year so I know what it’s like to lose in this round.
I’ll be the oldest player at the Crucible and I never thought I would say that. I love the game and nothing beats playing. I’m not going to retire like Stephen Hendry, I’m much more like Steve Davis and Jimmy White who just love playing.”
Former champions Mark Williams and Graeme Dott, meanwhile, were unable to secure places at this year’s event, which begins on Saturday.
Doherty also tweeted last night:
At his age Ken probably thought he might not make it through to the cruicible again ,let him enjoy it ,he’s well aware that he’s not going win it ,it’s about enjoyment for his at this stage .I don’t understand why your being critical of him only beating poomjaeng 10-5, a player who knocked out Stephen Maguire in the first round last year
200/1 on Ken to win…get in there ;)
530/1 on betfair. Get your value!!!
I think the David he is referring to is David Morris ,who didn’t even qualify and is ranked 89 in the world .So yeah he’s clearly nowhere near as good as him .
Yeah I guessed that Patrick.David Morris was a excellent amateur player but unfortunately like so many before him,he hasn’t made the transition to the pro game.Im not saying he won’t,hes still young and as I said,hes an excellent player.But to compare him to Ken is laughable.His best days may be nearly over but Im sure he’ll give whoever he plays a tough game.Best of luck Ken and the same to Fergal who plays today.
I bet hes praying for a lucky 1st round draw, otherwise its curtains for another year! Hes not anywhere even close to David, who can actually compete in the first couple of rounds once he doesn’t draw one of the top guys. Doherty still gave 5 frames away to a nobody in his previous match.
I’d love to see an Irish player do well again but Doherty’s days are long over!
Who’s David???
Such an Irish player doesn’t exist I’m afraid. You can’t go through twenty years of clubs closing all over the country and expect that the standard will remain the same.
Ireland’s next big star (as he has been for ten years) was beaten in the first qualifying round. Not Ken’s fault, and he deserves only huge credit for getting there.
A nicer drawer than he has received on his last few trips to The Crucible would be nice, granted!