A former snooker world champion was well aware of the talents a young Ronnie O'Sullivan possessed - even though he used to thrash the 12-year-old budding star.
Ken Doherty was six years older than the young Rocket who made his first competitive century aged 10. Doherty was also tipped for big things as a youngster, winning the world under-21 amateur championships before turning professional in 1990.
Nicknamed the 'Darlin' of Dublin' Doherty went on to be crowned world champion in 1997 and lost the following year's final against John Higgins. While both were learning the ropes, Doherty was invited to O'Sullivan's home in 1988 and told the story of the story of how they met on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips.
