Ken Doherty challenges rising star Aaron Hill to follow in footsteps of new world champ Luca Brecel
![Ken Doherty](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2F2%2F2en6gx7.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Former world champion Ken Doherty has challenged up-and-coming Irish star Aaron Hill to emulate the recent success of the new Crucible champion Luca Brecel.
Ken Doherty has challenged up-and-coming Irish star Aaron Hill to emulate the recent success of newly crowned world champion Luca Brecel.
The Belgian recently became the fourth non-British winner at in Sheffield after he held off a strong Mark Selby fightback.
And Doherty, who famously won the trophy back in 1997, believes that Brecel's story should inspire Hill, who has enjoyed big wins over Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump in recent years.
Doherty said: "Aaron Hill is doing really well. It is great to have him back on the circuit and back on the tour.
"Hopefully, he will have a big year next year. Luca's story should really inspire the likes of Aaron and other young snooker players in Ireland.
"His success shows what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and belief in yourself," he said.
Hill, who honed his skills at Crucible Snooker Hall off Blarney Street, has beenĀ backed by Doherty to get his just rewards if he keeps working hard.
"Aaron has the talent and is well capable. He should keep working hard and hopefully, he will get his rewards. It is a tough sport and it can be hard to make the breakthrough.
"The opportunities and rewards are there if you do get in and you do make the breakthrough, but it requires a lot of hard work."