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Ken Doherty books Crucible spot

Former champion to make 19th trip to Sheffield for snooker World Championship

Ken Doherty, seen here outside his home snooker club Jasons of Ranelagh, after his 1997 Crucible win, has qualified for a 19th World Championships in Sheffield. Photograph: David Sleator / THE IRISH TIMES
Ken Doherty, seen here outside his home snooker club Jasons of Ranelagh, after his 1997 Crucible win, has qualified for a 19th World Championships in Sheffield. Photograph: David Sleator / THE IRISH TIMES
Tue Apr 15 2014 - 21:50

Former world champion Ken Doherty secured a 19th Crucible appearance of his career with a 10-5 success over Thailand's Dechawat Poomjaeng in his final qualifier.

The 44-year-old Dubliner, the 1997 Crucible champion, missed out 12 months ago after losing a last-frame decider in the final qualifying round against Matthew Selt.

While he has carved a niche as a broadcaster at the tournament and is ranked 28th in the world, Doherty remains as keen as ever to compete.

“When you’ve had success at the Crucible you know what it means,” Doherty said. “You want to be part of the tournament and not sitting on the couch talking about it. That’s all right when you’re not in the tournament.

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“Getting through means so much. I’m over the moon.”

Fergal O’Brien is set to meet Robbie Williams in his qualifier before Thursday’s draw.