1997 world champion Ken Doherty exacted swift revenge on Alan McManus with a 5-3 victory in Malta to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the European Open in Malta. The Dubliner was beaten 5-4 by McManus at the corresponding stage to end his interest in last month's Stan James British Open in Newcastle, but Doherty admitted afterwards he played no better this time round.
The world number four, who cleared with 51 to the black in the eighth frame to avert another decider, revealed: "Snooker is such a stupid game. I played really well in Newcastle and lost and didn't play as well here and won. Alan and myself always have tough matches and it could have gone either way again. I was disappointed to lose to him in the British Open so it's nice to get one back."
The 27-year-old will meet Stephen Lee who ended Doherty's fellow Dubliner, Michael Judge's, interest in the £250,000 competition with a comprehensive 5-1 victory. Earlier, Jimmy White added his name to the quarter-final draw when he beat man of the season John Higgins 5-1, while Ronnie O'Sullivan recorded a 5-1 win against Thailand's James Wattana.
Fergal O'Brien is on his way home after losing 5-2 to world number one Mark Williams, who will meet Billy Snaddon after the Briton edged former world championship runner-up Nigel Bond 5-4. Joe Perry, the world number 27, beat world number six Matthew Stevens to earn his place in the last eight, where Stephen Hendry completes the line-up.
Filed by Shane Murray
