Ken Doherty, bidding to complete a second major triumph in as many weeks following his capture of his Malta Grand Prix title, lost out 5-3 to Stephen Hendry in the semi-final of the Thailand Masters in Bangkok last night. Hendry set up a best of 17-frame title showdown against defending champion Mark Williams.

Although naturally disappointed, Doherty conceded that a sluggish start had done the damage. "Of course I would have loved to beat Stephen and give myself a crack at another trophy, but I can't complain because it's been a fantastic few weeks," said Doherty, who was also runner up in the Benson & Hedges Masters last month.