Practice makes perfect as Doherty shows rivals way

Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Paul Hunter were all eliminated from the Irish Masters snooker tournament in Dublin before local favourite Ken Doherty struck a ball in anger against Stuart Bingham.

And while Doherty was completing his 5-1 victory to reach the second round, world champion and world No1 Mark Williams also bowed out of the competition.

But while Williams, Hendry and defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan claim to be underwhelmed by snooker at the moment, Doherty is in bullish mood.

"I know practice can be hard but I just love playing snooker," said the 1997 world champion.

"There is nothing better than going out and playing in front of a big crowd. I feel lucky and privileged.

"I would play for nothing. If it's a chore for some players to turn up and play, I don't know what is wrong with them."

Williams lost 5-2 against Anthony Hamilton, the world No 20 from Nottingham.