Doherty 'feeling great' after fine run of form

IF A week is a long time in politics, a year in snooker can be an eternity and that is how it feels for Ken Doherty.

The Irishman is a real contender for the 888.com World Championship in Sheffield, oozing confidence after crushing Crucible Theatre debutant Barry Hawkins with a 10-1 first-round victory.

It is a stark contrast from the situation in which the 1997 champion found himself 12 months ago when he salvaged his place among the world's top 16 by winning 10-5 against Barry Pinches.