Ken Doherty is just one victory away from sealing a place in the World Championship after easing past Gerard Greene. The Irishman, who has not featured at the Crucible since 2014, has battled hard over the last few days to secure a return to the grandest stage. After edging past Josh Boileau 10-8, Doherty made easier work of Greene to prevail 10-4 and put last year’s qualifying performance firmly to the back of his mind. The world number 77 dropped off the tour following a 10-4 defeat to Ben Woollaston and required an invitational tour card to get back into action. The 48-year-old has taken full advantage and his victory over Greene suggests he still has plenty to offer. He led 5-4 at the interval and powered on through in the evening session to claim five consecutive frames.
Matthew Stevens, who beat Chinese teenager Yuan Sijun 10-9, await Doherty in the final match of qualifying, as both men target a entry to the Sheffield showpiece. Doherty insists he is doing his best to focus on Tuesday’s match but admits it is tough to forget about what is at stake. “There’s one more match to go so I’m not getting too excited. I’m just pleased to have played very well,” Doherty said. “Matthew and I have had some fantastic matches over the years. I’ve played him at the Crucible and he beat me in the final of the Masters. He is a class act, so it will be a tough match against him. “I think it is very hard to put the Crucible out of your mind. You can feel the tension in the players’ lounge, you can feel the tension in the arena and these matches are like no other on tour. “It is good and gets the juices and adrenaline going. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”
Doherty can be backed at 23/20 to come out on top when he takes on Stevens, who is priced at 4/6 to win, on Tuesday.