Despite the raw disappointment of his 13-8 defeat at the hands of Alan McManus and seeing the rare chance of a Crucible quarter-final place disappear over the horizon, Ireland’s Ken Doherty remained in resolute good humour during his post-match press conference.
And before it had even started, the popular former world champion had a kind word for BBC Radio Five Live’s interviewer George Riley, who had filled in for him on his scheduled commentary stint alongside Dennis Taylor earlier in the day for the Barry Hawkins/Ricky Walden match.
“Well done George, very good job earlier,” said Doherty taking his seat before mischievously joking: “I reckon Willie Thorne might be getting a bit nervous, he’s coming under a bit of severe pressure there!
“But I will be taking your spot back now George. I think the other guys will be delighted because they have been doing double shifts since I got into the second round.”