Rocket Finds Extra Gear
Ronnie O'Sullivan started his season with a typical piece of magic as three brilliant breaks saw him beat Ken Doherty 5-4 from 4-2 down.
The Irishman led 4-2 but was out done by the brilliance of O'Sullivan who showed why he sits on top of the world rankings. Doherty's advantage was overcome in a little over 22 minutes of table time as the Chigwell cueman powered through.
"I was pleased with the way I came back although it's always nice to do in that style. Ken is the type of player who doesn't give you much. I'm pleased to get through, you don't win many matches from 4-2 down.
"There was a great atmosphere, which you enjoy as a player," said the Rocket.
Doherty got on the board first but the World Champion and World No.1 responded with a quick fire 110. Frame three was master class in tactical play as the two sought to out manoeuvre each other with two reds left. With just under 47 minutes on the clock it was O'Sullivan who claimed the points to edge in front, 2-1.
Doherty bounced back with a 75 to level at the break. The Irishman then extended his lead with runs of 65 and 47 to move to within one frame of victory.
But the Rocket then showed the form that took him to four ranking event finals last season, three visits to the table turned the match on it's head. Breaks of 83, 74 and 92 allowed O'Sullivan to squeeze into the last 16.
The two have appeared in six world finals between them with O'Sullivan the holder of the coveted trophy whilst Doherty has endured something of a slump in his recent fortunes.
For Doherty there is consolation in his performance. "I played well, it was a good game. I didn't do anything wrong in the last three frames. It was a really good match and he had to play well to beat me. I'll take confidence from this," said Doherty.