Doherty sees off Hendry

Ken Doherty produced his best display of the season to reach the semi-finals of the British Masters at Wembley last night

Ken Doherty produced his best display of the season to reach the semi-finals of the British Masters at Wembley last night. The Dubliner's 6-3 victory over six-times champion Stephen Hendry earned him a match today against Stephen Lee. Last night's match included three century breaks. Hendry's 137 clearance in frame five became the highest break of the tournament, but Doherty responded magnificently with breaks of 64 and 118.

Hendry then bravely compiled a 104 break to leave him two behind with three to play, only to see Doherty's 44 break take him through to the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season.

"I held myself together well at the end because you never know when Stephen is beaten," said the world number seven. "Stephen is probably the greatest player who has ever played the game but it's not just him that brings the best out of me. I love the venue and the Masters is one of the biggest tournaments." "Just never played tonight," was all Hendry would say.