KEN DOHERTY, the runner up in both 1992 and 1993, cruised into the televised, second round phase of the opening domestic world ranking tournament, the £330,000 Grand Prix at Bournemouth, yesterday.
Doherty, the seventh seed, overwhelmed Liverpool's Wayne Brown 5-1, scoring consistently with runs of 65, 58 twice, 78, and 61. He now tackles England's Martin Clark, who beat Robin Hull from Finland 5-0.
Earlier, speed merchant Tony Drago became the first player through to the last 32.
Drago made partial amends for his defeat by Nigel Bond in the final of the Rothman's Malta Grand Prix three days ago with a 5-1 win over Andrew Cairns, of Blackpool.
Drago began in explosive style with a 133 total clearance in the first frame, and later added contributions of 42 and 66 as he. completed victory in only 82 minutes.
"I didn't really have much of a chance to beat Nigel on Sunday so I couldn't be too upset about it," said Drago.
World number 15 Drago, who also battled through to the quarterfinals of last month's Asian Classic in Bangkok and has already compiled five century breaks in competition this season, believes that losing weight has helped his form.
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