Doherty makes short work of tricky challenge

KEN DOHERTY inflicted a Crucible debut nightmare on rising star Barry Hawkins when he cruised into the second round of the 888.com World Championship in Sheffield yesterday.

Hawkins, ranked number 29 in the world, has made rapid strides over the last couple of years to secure a top-ten place for next season, but will quickly want to forget his first appearance on snooker’s biggest stage.

There was no sign of the trauma ahead when Hawkins won the first frame of the match, but Doherty then reeled off 10 in succession to prevail 10-1 and book a possible clash with Matthew Stevens.

The Irishman did not need to do anything spectacular, his highest break of the match a mere 57 as the Kent left-hander failed to produce the form that has taken him to two semi-finals this season.

“I had two bad days at the office,” said the 26-year-old from Beckenham. “At first I was a bit nervous but after that it was nothing to do with playing at the Crucible.

“I just couldn’t perform and I can’t explain why. I squandered the chances I had and it’s a bad place to be when you start missing.

“Ken had nobody to beat and I’m gutted after such a good season to have performed like that. But plenty of better players than me have been bashed up. I can’t wait to get home and have a pint.”

Doherty, the 1997 champion, is back to something like his best after a lean spell, and the Malta Cup winner was delighted with the way he had dealt with a potentially tricky opponent.

“It was the toughest draw on paper and a workmanlike performance but I’m very pleased,” said the 36-year-old Dubliner.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, on your Crucible debut it takes you a while to settle down, and I put the pressure on Barry and compounded it frame after frame.”

Stephen Maguire made it third time lucky at the Crucible as he reached the second round with a 10-6 victory over Mark King.

It was not exactly vintage stuff from the former UK champion, but seven half-century breaks indicated his game is in solid shape.

“All I’ve been thinking about for weeks has been this match,” said the 25-year-old Scot, who will meet Alan McManus or Marco Fu in the second round.

Paul Hunter, who has been battling against cancer for the last 12 months, was last night beaten 10-5 by Neil Robertson after trailing 7-2 at the break.