Ken Doherty is through to the semi-finals of the Regal Welsh Open in Cardiff after a brilliant display against his old foe Stephen Hendry. Doherty opened up a two-frame lead and looked comfortable until a few misjudgements and a 116-break from Hendry put the Scot into the driving seat as he led the Irishman 3-2 and the seven-times world champion looked the more likely victor. However, Doherty bounced back with runs of 69 and 87 pushed him 4-3 front. The eighth frame was a tense affair but Doherty kept his cool to progress to the semi-finals.
This is the first time Doherty has featured in the semi-finals of a world-ranking event since his appearance in the Thailand Masters in Bangkok last March. However, he faces a difficult task to reach the final as world number one Mark Williams stands between the Irishman and the opportunity to win the £62,000 first prize cheque. The pair will face up to each other tomorrow afternoon with Williams the definite favourite to progress to the final.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
