Doherty stays in the hunt

KEN DOHERTY dug deep for a 5-3 victory over Nigel Bond, to secure his passage through to the next round of the Malta Cup.

The popular Irishman, who had breaks of 134, 67, 40 and 38, admitted the support of a vocal crowd had spurred him on to victory.

“I always get a good reception from the crowd. There’s always a lot of ex-pats here, so I get good support, which is great.

“Every time I’ve come here I’ve had a really good time. I had a great time last year when I won – and there’s no reason why I can’t win it again.”

Doherty will now take on Andrew Higginson on Thursday night after the wildcard overwhelmed Steve Davis.

Davis, a six-time world champion, slipped to an agonising 5-4 reverse at the Hilton Conference Centre in Portomaso.

Meanwhile Peter Ebdon, who trailed 4-1 to wildcard David Roe, battled his way into the last 16 with a brave 5-4 victory.

“It was tough,” admitted Ebdon. “Dave played very solidly. I thought if he had potted a pink in the final frame, then he’d have probably gone on to win.”