Doherty 'a million miles' from last year

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.