Snooker: Doherty jumps two places after Maltese victory
Monday, 28 February 2000 22:50Ken Doherty's World ranking has improved by two places after his win in the European Grand Prix in Malta. Doherty is now ranked at 6 in the world. Doherty flew home today to Dublin to celebrate his victory in the Malta Rothmans Grand Prix last night. The 30-year-old Irishman defeated his Welsh stablemate Mark Williams 9-3 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre to earn himself £50,000, which is £35,000 less than he pocketed for finishing only runner-up to Matthew Stevens in the Benson & Hedges Masters two weeks ago. The trophy is far more precious to the 1997 World Champion than the money. "I'd like to thank all my friends and family for never giving up hope when I've struggled in the past, said Doherty.
Doherty has been on top of his game all week, making a total of five centuries including the fifth in an unexpectedly one-sided final. He certainly enjoys playing in Malta, having won here and has been runner-up when the Grand Prix was staged as an invitation tournament. Williams was ahead only once when he took the opening frame and on this form it was hard to believe he is well clear of John Higgins and Stephen Hendry at the top of the rankings.
