Ding puts off-colour Doherty out

CHINESE prodigy Ding Junhui knocked out last Irish hope Ken Doherty at the Northern Ireland Trophy last night.

Last season’s UK champion triumphed 5-1 at the Waterfront Hall, silencing the Dubliner’s supporters with breaks of 55, 70 and 69, as well as some excellent tactical play.

Doherty, who had beaten former UK champion Stephen Maguire and Thailand’s James Wattana in reaching the quarter-finals, never got going despite the vocal local crowd willing him to win.