Doherty finds top form to earn place in Northern Ireland Open

Ken Doherty has qualified for the Northern Ireland Open after a break of 135 helped him oust Liam Highfield 4-3 this afternoon.

Doherty trailed twice in the match but the magnificent clearance in the sixth frame turned the momentum in his favour and a 65 clinched the win in the deciding frame.

The outright tournament begins on Monday, with 50 qualifying matches taking place in Sheffield over four days for a place in Belfast.

The world's top-16 play their qualifying games on Sunday in Northern Ireland, but Doherty is safely through to Monday play.

Jordan Brown is in action later today against Stuart Carrington, while Aaron Hill faces David Lilley on Thursday.

Mark Allen will bid to defend his title after being victorious the last two years. Judd Trump has won the last two events on the tour, including last week's Wuhan Open.