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.

But now Doherty looks set to clinch a top-three ranking for next season

after a fine run of form and is in what looks to be the easier half of the draw as he targets a second world title.

"Considering this time last year I needed to win my opening match to stay in the top 16, I am a million miles away now from where I was then," said the 36-year-old Dubliner.

"It's amazing what a bit of confidence can do for you.

"Winning the Malta Cup earlier this year was the medicine I needed and it's made me a different prospect for anyone that plays me.

"It's great to be playing well again and really enjoying it. When you have no confidence you don't enjoy it and it's very difficult. Now everything seems so nice and easy and

I feel great.

"I'm not getting carried away though. My next match will be tough, but I am up for the challenge and I love it here."

That next match will be against Matthew Stevens.