Doherty won Ireland it's first world championship

A thumping 13-3 victory over Steve Davis in the last 16 demonstrated his determination.

This had been fired up when his manager, Ian Doyle, publicly criticised his dedication shortly before the championship and said that the easy-going Dubliner was not fulfilling his potential.

Doherty then defeated John Higgins 13-9 in the quarter-finals and Canada's Alain Robidoux 17-7 to reach the final.

Despite his impressive run, Doherty started second favourite to Hendry, appearing in his seventh world final and aiming to better the record six titles he held with Ray Reardon and Steve Davis.

O'Sullivan's 147 special

Hendry had been untroubled in progressing to the final but betrayed signs of weariness early on and Doherty, growing in confidence, led 15-9 after three sessions.

A Hendry comeback, widely expected, materialised when he recovered to 15-12 but he missed the chance of a winning clearance in frame 28.

Doherty won the next three frames for his 18-12 victory and received a hero's welcome in Dublin as 250,000 people lined the streets on his return.

In the city's central police station, there had been no calls at all during the final session - "Even the criminals were glued to it," as Doherty put it.

The highlight of the first week was Ronnie O'Sullivan's maximum break, which he completed in only five minutes, 20 seconds.