Former World Champion Ken Doherty is only ten frames away from competing in the World Championships for a twentieth time.
The 1997 World Champion defeated Hossein Ayouri 10-7 to book his place in Round 3 of qualifying against Welsh star Ryan Day. Doherty never trailed in the match and led the Iranian 7-2 at the end of the first session. Despite the fightback from Ayouri, the Dubliner advanced to the next round.
Hossein made me sweat a little today but delighted to clear up in the last and get thru to the next round.
Tnx for all ur kind msgs ðŸ‘😗 Ken Doherty Official (@kendoherty1997) April 11, 2016
Doherty faces three-time quarter-finalist Ryan Day with a place in The Crucible at stake. The Welsh player is ranked 20th in the World and will go into Tuesday' match as heavy favourite.
Fergal O'Brien, David Morris and Gerard Greene all lost out on a place in Round 3. The Irish trio lost to Zhou Yuelong, Alan McManus and Peter Ebdon.
The World Championship begins on Saturday morning.
