Selby - Ken is a "class act"

Selby: Has saluted Doherty

The good thing is I go into the match knowing I need to be on my toes, because Ken has been there and done it and knows what it's all about.

Mark Selby
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Snooker Schedule
• World Rankings
• Snooker DVDs
• £5 Free Bet

Mark Selby has heaped praise on veteran cueman Ken Doherty ahead of their first-round Betfred.com World Championship showdown.

Crucible king Doherty was in danger of losing his spot on the tour after suffering two dismal seasons, but the 40-year-old has rediscovered his form and is on course to return to the top 32.

Considering the rankings are based on two years of results, Doherty could storm back into the top 16 if he completes another strong campaign next season.

Selby admits he would have preferred a less testing first-round draw, but believes facing a player of 1997 world champion Doherty's ability could prove advantageous.

Testing

"The good thing is I go into the match knowing I need to be on my toes, because Ken has been there and done it and knows what it's all about," said 26-year-old Selby.

"He's not one of the players who will go to go to the Crucible and freeze or not really start off that well.

"I will need to be on my toes from the word 'go' but that's probably good for me.

"He's a class act. Obviously everyone goes through periods in their career where they are going to struggle. But I think it was always going to be just a matter of time before he got his form back."

The much-anticipated clash gets underway on the first evening of the championship on Saturday and concludes in Sunday's afternoon session.

'Jester from Leicester' Selby has endured an uneven campaign to date, struggling in numerous ranking tournaments but winning his second Masters title in three years at Wembley.

Frustrating

"I've been playing really well and that's the frustrating thing about it," he said.

"Obviously come the Masters I was able to show what my form has been like in practice.

"But it's very difficult at the moment because there are only six tournaments, so you could be playing really well but just having a bit of bad luck here and there, and before you know it you're out of a few tournaments and you've not done a lot wrong.

"Over a period of six tournaments you can't really show how well you are playing because it's hard to get any consistency and rhythm as the tournaments are so far apart.

"But hopefully by starting this year by winning the Masters and having a good run in the Welsh Open that can kick-start my season."