Former world champion Ken Doherty defeated Wiltshire cueman Stephen Lee, last month's Wembley Masters runner-up, 4-2 in his second qualifying match in Group Two of the Malta Cup.
Having lost a scrappy opening frame, Doherty compiled breaks of 82, 81 and a tournament high clearance of 134 to surge 3-1 ahead.
Lee reduced his arrears with runs of 44 and 61, but missed his chance to square the match and his opponent pounced with a cool 78 break to clinch victory.
‘I made some decent breaks, I've got to be pleased with the way I'm playing,’ said Doherty. ‘It was nice to finish the match with that century break.
‘I'm feeling nice and relaxed at the moment, but it's important I win my other two matches if I'm going to get to the semi-finals.’
