Ken Doherty is out of the UK Championships in York.

The former 1997 World Champion lost his first round match 6 frames to 0 against Noppon Saengkham of Thailand.

Three-time champion John Higgins beat Alex Borg 6-3.

That victory for the Scotsman means he will face Doherty's conqueror in the last-64.

There have been other Irish challengers involved at the tournament.

Kildare's Josh Boileau was beaten by Marco Fu in his opening round match, whereas Dubliner Fergal O'Brien overcame Zhang Yong 6 frames to 2 to set up a last-64 match against England's Barry Hawkins.

Later, Ronnie O'Sullivan begins his campaign against the Thai, Boonyarit Kaettikun.