Ken Doherty falls at first hurdle in Belfast

Ken Doherty was beaten 4-0 by Kyren Wilson in his qualifier at the Northern Ireland Open this morning in Belfast.

It was a scrappy match against world number six Wilson, but the 1997 world champion couldn't take the chances that came his way and bowed out on a 4-0 scoreline.

Doherty came into the match after his first win of the season against Dominic Dale in the Scottish Open qualifiers, but a victory at his home event wasn't to be.

It looked like neither played wanted to win the opener as both players had chances but failed to score heavily. Doherty took a 16-point lead into the colours, but couldn't get the ball he needed after potting the yellow and the green.

Wilson eventually got his chance and won it by a point on the black.

Doherty was in early in the second before calling a foul on himself, and the Englishman took full advantage, although it took him three attempts to finally put the frame to bed.

Wilson was in first in the next but broke down, but Doherty could only make 14 and he was punished by the Warrior with a frame-winning 67.

And the last was straightforward, as Wilson smashed in a century to finish off the match.

Antrim native Mark Allen and seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan are among the players in action later today.