Defending champion Ken Doherty proved married life was making no difference to his game as he beat Thai number one James Wattana in the first round of the Regal Welsh Open at Cardiff today. Doherty, who beat Paul Hunter 9-2 in last year's final, married psychiatrist Dr Sarah Prasad in Melbourne on December 29.
"It hasn't changed me as a person at all and won't affect my snooker," Doherty said. "The only thing I've got to get used to is playing wearing a wedding ring - but it will stay on as long as I keep on winning."
Stephen Hendry also booked his place in the last 16 when he compiled two centuries to beat Steve Davis 5-1. World number three John Higgins crushed the challenge of Ali Carter in just 64 minutes. Higgins, winner of the season's first three titles, completed a 5-0 drubbing with breaks of 51, 58, 87, 67 and 124.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
