Hospital visit fails to put brakes on Doherty

HOME favourite Ken Doherty warmed up for the Fáilte Ireland Irish Masters tournament at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel yesterday with a visit to hospital - but still reached the second round with a 5-3 defeat of Norwich professional Barry Pinches.

An infection picked up at the Masters last month led to Doherty suffering from a burst ear drum, but the Dubliner showed no ill-effects as he produced a battling performance in front of his home fans.

“I feel better, and it’s nice to win here because this tournament is second only to the world champion-ship for me,” said Doherty, who compiled breaks of 50, 63, 56, 67 and 56.