SHOKAT Ali takes on current world snooker champion Ken Doherty in the last 16 of the German Open today in the biggest game of his career.

It is the first time the Blackburn-based star has made it to this stage of a major tournament.

The Pakistan team captain will be quietly confident against the out-of-form Irishman, ranked fifth in the world, after his fine run in the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship held at Preston recently.

Ali said: "It's a big, big tournament and obviously I want to do well. "Although Ken hasn't been playing at his best recently he is still the world champion.

"It is all about what happens on the day. Form doesn't really come into it.

"I'm just happy to be here and competing in events like this."

Ali had to win through four qualifying rounds to set up this first round clash.

It will be the first time the pair have met as professionals although their paths have crossed before at amateur level.

Ranked 55th in the world, Ali is hoping to break into the top fifty and is rated as a 50/1 shot for the competition by bookmakers William Hill.

Doherty, in contrast, is struggling to find his rhythm this season and has suffered several early round defeats since winning his world crown back in May.

The winner of the best of nine contest will play either Gary Wilkinson or Jamie Burnett in the quarter final of the £280,000 tournament in Bingen.

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