KEN DOHERTY avoided a second Far East disaster this season when he defeated Tony Knowles 5-1 in the first round of the Thailand Open in Bangkok last night.
Doherty, the world number nine, who is well on course to regain a top eight position next season, suffered a 5-2 upset defeat when he tackled fellow Irishman Joe Swail in the first round of the Thailand Classic six months ago.
But despite losing the first frame in which Knowles had a break of 48, Doherty went on to win the next five. Tomorrow he plays Steve Davis for a place in the quarter finals.
The 26 year old Dubliner, one of four wild card entries to the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters at Goffs later this month, fired in breaks of 65, 37, 34, 33 and 30. He also won a crucial fifth frame on the black after Knowles, a former world number two, had missed an easy pink to a middle pocket.
Doherty, 64-0 behind, produced a clearance of 65, to lead 4-1. "It was a big break, I was very pleased with it," said the Irishman who is up to number six on the provisional ranking list with three events still to count.
He added: "I was a bit lucky to lead 3-1 at the interval, 2-2 would have been fairer. But generally I was happy with the way I played."
Davis joined Doherty in the last 16 following a 5-3 victory over Stephen Lee.
