Irish avoid an upset despite upset stomachs

KEN DOHERTY refused to allow a dose of Bangkok belly to prevent him helping the Republic of Ireland to an opening Victory in the World Cup yesterday.

The Irish captain won two of his three frames as the Group A joint favourites defeated New Zealand 6-3.

"I picked up a bug yesterday," revealed Doherty. It must be something I ate or drank, because my mate Finbar was suffering as well.

"The main problem was I only got a couple of hours sleep. I should have played first, but I didn't feel up to it and sent Fergal (O'Brien) in."

The switch appeared to upset the Irish trio who found themselves trailing their unseeded rivals 3-2.

Doherty surprisingly lost his opening frame to Daniel Haenga, while New Zealand's lead off man, Dene O'Kane, got the better of O'Brien.

Eventually Doherty found his form to level the match at 3-3. O'Brien fired them in front for the first time, and Stephen Murphy won his second black hall game to stretch the advantage to 5-3.

Doherty played the anchor role and disposed of Mark Canovan to complete the victory.

"They're going to give a few teams problems," said Murphy. If we'd gone out and played our best we would have probably settled for 6-3," added O'Brien.

Canada were the last country to win a world team tournament in 990. And they justified their tag as dangerous outsiders by overwhelming South Africa 8-1 in Group C.

Cliff Thorburn epitomised the team spirit that makes them such formidable opponents by making a clean sweep of his frames.

The 1980 world champion, now playing only part time, won the eighth frame 76-72 on the black after requiring two snookers on the blue.

"I just love a close finish," grinned the craggy faced veteran, still the only overseas player to win the world title.

"The game needs this tournament badly and I hope it succeeds," added Thorburn, flanked by teammates Jim Wych and Alain Robidoux.

South Africa's only winner was former British Open champion Silvino Francisco who defeated Robidoux.