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Doherty bidding for return to Crucible
KEN Doherty is eager to relive his glory years as he bids to reach the World Snooker Championships next month.
The Dubliner, who won the world title in 1997, has slipped to 44th in the world rankings and needs to win two matches in the qualifiers at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield, to reach the televised stages at the Crucible.
The 40-year-old is set to play fans favourite Jimmy White in his opening match today, with the winner to face Joe Swail.
Doherty, one of only two non-British players to lift the world crown, said: "I've got some great memories of playing at Sheffield which I will never forget. To be World Champion for a year was fantastic.
"It was the best snooker I have ever played, especially to beat Stephen Hendry in the final when he was unbeaten there for five years and at the top of his game. It was David against Goliath but I came out on top.
"I want to qualify this year to relive the memories and to create more for myself, as I know I'm still capable of doing it on the big stage."
Doherty is determined to avoid a repeat of his 10-5 defeat in last year's qualifiers to Gerard Greene.
"The whole of last season was a disaster for me and I went there in a bad state with no chance of winning," he said. "This time it's different and I'm looking forward to it.
"The matches there are important for everyone because there is so much riding on it. If I can win my first match, it could cement my place in the top 32 for next season, which would be an achievement in itself and give me a great stepping stone to getting back up the rankings."
The event runs until March 9. For ticket details, ring 07899 688158 or visit the World Snooker desk at the EIS.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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