Maguire cashes in on his luck

Stephen Maguire made it third time lucky at the Crucible Theatre today as he reached the second round of the 888.com World Championship with a 10-6 victory over Mark King.

The fourth seed was unlucky to be drawn against Ronnie O’Sullivan on his two previous visits to Sheffield and lost both times, although last year he pushed the ‘Rocket’ to a deciding frame.

This time, however, Maguire finally got over the initial hurdle to ensure he will end a disappointing campaign on a brighter note.

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.

“I’m chuffed to bits because I love winning matches, whether it’s the World Championship or just in the local club.”

King’s chances disappeared when he missed the final black off its spot in frame 14, which meant he trailed 9-5 instead of 8-6, and the Essex player admitted that had been pivotal.

“I played well in patches but missed a couple of balls that cost me,” said the 32-year-old. “I didn’t disgrace myself though.”

Earlier, Ken Doherty inflicted a Crucible debut nightmare on rising star Barry Hawkins when he cruised through 10-1.

Hawkins, ranked number 29 in the world, has made rapid strides over the last couple of years to secure a top-10 place for next season, but will quickly want to forget his first appearance on snooker’s biggest stage.

“I had two bad days at the office,” said the 26-year-old from Beckenham.

“I just couldn’t perform and I can’t explain why. Ken had nobody to beat and I’m gutted after such a good season to have played like that.”

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.

The two matches that began in the morning and afternoon sessions were one-sided affairs, with two-time former champion Mark Williams opening an 8-1 lead over Anthony Hamilton.

Paul Hunter, who has been battling against cancer for the last 12 months, trailed 7-2 to Neil Robertson ahead of tonight’s conclusion.

The Yorkshireman has understandably found competing tough since he was diagnosed with his illness but played better than the scoreline suggested, especially considering his lack of matchplay.