Ireland’s Ken Doherty books his place in 2012 World Snooker Championship beating Anthony Hamilton
Former World Snooker Champion, Ireland’s Ken Doherty defeated England’s Anthony Hamilton by a close score line of 10-9 to ensure his entrance in the 2012 World Snooker Championship at the crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The veteran potter had a tussling game against Hamilton but was able to nudge him down in the decisive frame in the final qualifier of the event at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.
Doherty has played convincingly throughout the recent season and was aiming to hit the World Championship’s opening round. After playing in 46 matches in the recent season, he clinched a 60.9 percent match winning rate and 53.9 percent frame winning ratio,
which is quite convincing. He was placed in the final round of the qualifiers where he faced Hamilton.
Doherty finished the first session of the game by the score line of 6-3 with some outstanding knocks of 112 and 110. The Englishman was under immense pressure after tumbling three frames down. The Irishman continued his dominance in the second session with
a frame win but Hamilton bounced back into the game with impressive form but failed to unsettle his opponent. Doherty clinched the decider frame and ensured his booking a place in the Championship.
While speaking to the World Snooker, Doherty said, “It feels beautiful. He played so well and I couldn't shake him off. It was the toughest match I could have had. In the last frame I had resigned myself to losing. The clearance I made was one of the best
of my career because there was so much at stake.”
He added, “Last year I was 6-3 up on Jimmy Robertson and lost, then I found it difficult to be at the Crucible and not playing. It's just such a relief to be in the mix this time.”
Doherty is drawn against the former World Snooker Champion, Australia’s Neil Robertson in the initial round of the mega event. The clash will be thrilling because both potters are in good form and will be aiming to make an appearance in the tournament. Doherty
believes he can perform well in the Championship against the Aussie.
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