Doherty wants Wembley joy

The Dubliner has been ever-present at snooker's most prestigious invitation event since 1992 but has yet to get his hands on the trophy. He reached the final in 1999 and 2000 but lost to John Higgins and Matthew Stevens.

Doherty has been in impressive form over the past year, winning the Malta Cup and climbing to a career high second-place in the world rankings. He hopes he can go all the way in this year's tournament, which begins on Sunday at Wembley Arena.

"I'd love to win this event, it's steeped in tradition and history," he said. "Other than winning the world title again, the SAGA Insurance Masters is the one I most want.

"I've got good memories of playing in the tournament but also some bad ones. I've been in the final twice and lost 10-8 both times. And of course there's the black I missed on a 147 (in the final against Stevens) which still haunts me.

"Wembley Conference Centre was a fantastic place. The crowds are vociferous and animated but I liked that as a fan and I like it as a player, it's what sport is all about.

"I'm really looking forward to this year's event and to finding out what the new venue is like. I get good support because there are a lot of Irish around the Wembley area and further out in London."

Doherty plays his opening match against Barry Hawkins on Monday evening.