Doherty edges Crucible marathon to move into last eight

KEN DOHERTY reached the Embassy World Championship quarter-finals for a seventh time in eight years in Sheffield last night – but only just.

The former world title holder knocked out Glaswegian Graeme Dott 13-12 after nine hours and 13 minutes of play, including a 43-minute deciding frame. He now plays John Higgins but was due back at the table at 10am today.

“There was so much pressure and tension out there,” said Doherty, who faced potential elimination when he trailed 6-1 and 7-2. “But I should have won 13-10. In the end Graeme was looking quite confident and I’m glad I fell over the line.