Ken Doherty's interest in this year's Irish Masters ended this evening when Peter Ebdon continued his amazing form this week to beat the home favourite 6-3 in today's first semi-final at Dublin's CityWest Hotel. The Dubliner managed a highest break of just 36 in a match similar to the long drawn out Regal Scottish Open final the pair contested 11 months ago. Ebdon won 9-7 on that occasion, which was another disjointed contest, and history was repeated over almost four hours of combat.
The match ground to 3-3 with just one half century before Ebdon came to life with runs of 104 and 84. A 46 was decisive in the world number seven adding the ninth as well to secure a place in the final with £65,000 awaiting the winner.
Wales' Matthew Stevens and world number three John Higgins contest the second semi, which has a 7.00pm start.
Filed by Shane Murray
