Former champion Doherty keen to return to Crucible

Former title holder Ken Doherty could face Crucible favourite Jimmy White tomorrow as they attempt to battle through the qualifiers in the Betfred.com World Championship.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Mar 2010, 08:59 BST

Updated 3rd Mar 2010, 09:00 BST

Having slipped to 44th in the world rankings, Doherty – the 1997 champion – must win two matches in the qualifiers at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport to reach the first round proper at the Crucible.

"It's amazing that it's 13 years ago, the time has gone so quickly since then. To be world champion for a year was fantastic," said Doherty. "It was the best snooker I have ever played, especially to beat Stephen Hendry in the final when he was unbeaten there for five years."

White must win his qualifying match today for the chance to meet Doherty. A 10-5 defeat to Gerard Greene in last year's qualifiers meant Doherty missing out on the Crucible for the first time since 1993, and he is determined to avoid a repeat.

"The whole of last season was a disaster for me and I went there in a bad state with no chance of winning," he said.

"This time it's different and I'm looking forward to it."

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