Ken Doherty teams up with Fergal O’Brian in 2011 Snooker World Cup
Ireland is drawn against Wales, Egypt, Pakistan and Germany in Group A of 2011 Snooker World Cup starting from July 11 until 17 at the World Trade Centre in Bangkok. The two players representing Ireland
in the competition will be former world snooker champion, Ken Doherty and Fergal O’Brian. Doherty is hopeful for a fair show at the team event.
The pair have already played in previous editions of Snooker World Cup and have reached the final of two of them, in 1996 and 2001. Although they lost in both the finals, the pair gained some valuable
experience and will be hoping to put it to good use in the upcoming event. The Snooker World Cup at that time was a three-member team event, but has now been reduced to a two-member team event.
41-year-old Doherty is ready for his matches in the world cup and believes his partnership with O’Brian will again be a strong one. Both players need to be on top of their game as they have strong
competitors like Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens in their group matches, who can give them a strong fight.
While speaking to a website in an interview, Doherty said, “Looking forward to the World Cup in July, hardly ever play doubles now but would love to see a doubles tournament on TV again. I think Fergal
and I will be a good partnership.”
However, Doherty has also qualified for 2011 Australian Goldfields Open after beating Scottish cueman, Scott Mackenzie 5-2 in his qualifying session match. He will face another Scotsman, Stephen Maguire
in Round 1 of the event.
Doherty hailed World Snooker chairman, Barry Hearn, for his efforts made to glorify the game and spread it to other countries. He also liked the changes made by Hearn in formats and game-play of several
tournaments.
In reply to a question about Barry Hearn, Doherty said, “Barry Hearn has done a great job so far, more tournaments, a better ranking system that promotes current form and developing new horizons overseas
including Australia and Brazil.”
Doherty soon will fly to Bangkok along with Fergal O’Brian to take part in 2011 Snooker World Cup at the World Trade Centre in Bangkok.
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