Snooker: Doherty Asks Why is Ronnie Allowed to Hide?

Ronnie O'Sullivan's hopes of a third Masters title were hanging by a thread before his century break in the deciding frame saw him beat the Irishman Ken Doherty 6-5 in their quarter-final at Wembley Arena. Disappointed as he was, Doherty still managed a joke at his opponent's expense during his mandatory press conference: "I'm only answering one question." The 1997 world champion said he did not understand the special dispensation granted to O'Sullivan by Sir Rodney Walker, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman, not to give press interviews this week. "I think it's the chairman's duty to explain why," said Doherty. "Snooker needs as much coverage as possible. We are not the most affluent sport. We need you [press] guys." Of O'Sullivan, he said: "He was so nonchalant under the pressure. He's awesome amongst the balls."