Matthew Stevens ends Stephen Hendry hopes in Northern Ireland Open snooker qualifying, Ken Doherty sparkles
Stephen Hendry hit two 50-plus breaks against Matthew Stevens in Northern Ireland Open qualifying in Sheffield, but it was not enough to prevent a 4-2 defeat in the opening round of the Home Nations Series ranking event.
Seven-time world champion Hendry led 2-1, but lost the fourth frame on a re-spotted black after going in-off with former Masters champion Stevens claiming the final two frames to book his spot in the last 64 and a trip to Belfast next week.
1997 world champion Ken Doherty produced some vintage form to book his spot in the last 64 with a 4-3 win against Liam Highfield that saw the evergreen Irishman finish with classy breaks of 135 and 65.
There were also wins for former Welsh Open winner Jordan Brown in a 4-2 success against Stuart Carrington, while Mark Davis rolled in a 100 and 86 to overpower Scott Donaldson 4-0.
Mark Allen is the defending Northern Ireland Open champion and begins his quest for a third straight victory at the tournament against Ben Mertens on Monday.
Latest Northern Ireland Open qualifying results
- Chris Wakelin 4-0 Anthony Hamilton
- Matthew Stevens 4-2 Stephen Hendry
- Jordan Brown 4-2 Stuart Carrington
- Robbie Williams 4-1 Liam Pullen
- Jamie Clarke 4-3 Alfie Davies
- Ken Doherty 4-3 Liam Highfield
- James Cahill 4-1 Duane Jones
- Ross Muir 4-2 Victor Sarkis
- Dean Young 4-2 Mohamed Ibrahim
- Mark Davis 4-0 Scott Donaldson
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