World Ranking: 6
Provisional Ranking: 6
Date Of Birth: 17/09/69
World Championship best: Winner - 1997

One of the best tactical players in the game, Doherty will be hoping to go one better than last year's runners-up spot and add a second world title to his CV.

If his matches are anything like those at the Crucible in 2003, he will certainly be worth watching.

Doherty won both his opening two matches on the final frame and then fought back from 15-9 down in his semi-final against Paul Hunter to win 17-16.

The final was also almost as dramatic, Doherty drawing level at 11-11 having trailed 10-2 before eventually succumbing 18-16 to Mark Williams.

That was Doherty's third world final and his determination means he will be tough to beat again.

So far this season has been full of ups and downs, several early exits being coupled with semi-final appearances at the LG Cup and Irish Masters.

But Doherty usually saves his best for the Crucible and he certainly can't be ruled out of the title picture.