Doherty continues fine form

Ken Doherty has continued his perfect record in qualifying matches this season following a 5-3 victory over Robbie Williams in Sunday’s World Open Qualifiers.

The 47-year-old appears to have rediscovered some consistent form this term after enduring a tough few years on the circuit.

The Irishman fell off the tour at the end of last season and he took full advantage of his wildcard entry into the Qualifiers.

Doherty is now certain to be part of the main event in Yushan, China next month after seeing off Englishman Williams in Preston on Sunday.

The 1997 world champion also earned qualification to the Indian Open and the European Masters last week and he will take up a spot at the China Championship in Guangzhou next week.

However, Doherty’s countryman Josh Boileau suffered disappointment as he lost 5-2 to Wales’ Jamie Jones in Lancashire.

Boileau’s loss leaves him in serious danger of dropping off the tour if he does not see a marked improvement in performances.

Meanwhile, England’s Michael Georgiou claimed a surprising whitewash victory by overcoming Fergal O’Brien 5-0.

Judd Trump, who is priced at 7.00 to win the World Championships, will be one of the big names hoping to move closer to a spot at the World Open later on Monday when he takes on Same Craigie, while Ricky Walden will attempt to bounce back defeat in European Masters Qualifying when he lines up against Jamie Barrett in the evening session.