Ken Doherty is safely though to the second round of the Failte Ireland Irish Masters after a 5-3 defeat of Barry Pinches at Citywest yesterday.
The Dubliner showed no ill-effects from last month's burst eardrum and produced a battling performance in front of his home fans.
"I feel better, and it's nice to win here because this tournament is second only to the world championship for me," said Doherty, who compiled breaks of 50, 63, 56, 67 and 56.
