Doherty hoping to show he's the master

SNOOKER: Ken Doherty has not had an ideal season on the snooker circuit, but next month's Fáilte Ireland Irish Masters presents the ideal opportunity to address this record, with a straight run to the world championships to follow.

Speaking at the launch of the Masters in Citywest, Dublin, yesterday - which runs from March 6th to 13th at the hotel - the Ranelagh man expressed

his pleasure at taking part in a world ranking tournament at home.

"It gives the opportunity for Irish fans to see the world's best players in action and guarantees the top 16 players will compete here, along with the 16 qualifiers. This should be a great tournament.

"The crowd are really superb at home. It makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck every time I play in Ireland. I love playing here. I know I haven't done as well as I would have liked, but I would hope to win an Irish Masters some day.

"We have this, then the masters in Wembley, the China Open and then, of course, the world championships. That's four big tournaments basically one after the other. If you are to get on any sort of a run, now is the time to do it."

Doherty plays Barry Pinches in his opening match on Sunday, March 6th. The winner will play either David Gray or Gerard Greene.

Another highly-regarded local player, Michael Judge has qualified for the tournament and faces world number five John Higgins, also on March 6th. A victory and Judge gets a crack at either James Wattana or Stephen Lee.

The hot favourites are Ronnie O'Sullivan and a rejuvenated number three seed Stephen Hendry, who has just won the Malta Cup. World number one O'Sullivan is still considered the main crowd puller in the game.

"They are the two main contenders all season," continued Doherty. "Stephen is playing very, very well again, but O'Sullivan really is a genius. He is so far out as number one I don't think he is going to be caught.

"He is great to watch. I know he does and says some stupid things, but he is a great guy. I like him regardless of his faults."

Since the Irish Masters became a world ranking event, there are a number of changes with morning snooker abolished.

Also, the semi-finals have been increased from 11 to 17 frames and will be played over two sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Tickets go on sale today.

Irish Masters

First round draw

Sunday, March 6th: Ken Doherty v Barry Pinches; Matthew Stevens v Anthony Hamilton; Paul Hunter v Tony Drago; Alan McManus v Nigel Bond; Jimmy White v Mark Selby; Steve Davis v Mark Davis; John Higgins v Michael Judge; David Gray v Gerard Greene.

Monday, March 7th: Peter Ebdon v Dave Harold; Stephen Hendry v Robin Hull; Stephen Lee v James Wattana; Chris Small v Ian McCulloch; Ronnie O'Sullivan v Stephen Maguire; Mark Williams v Paul Davies; Marco Fu v Robert Milkins; Graeme Dott v Barry Hawkins.