Ken Doherty looking to spark into form after slow start to new season

Ken Doherty says he can still compete at the top level of the World Snooker Tour, but the former world champion admits he must find some form this season.

He lost his qualifier for the Northern Ireland Open 4-0 to Kyren Wilson in a scrappy match at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast this morning as he failed to take early chances to get a foothold in the match.

It means just one victory in five events so far this season, as the Dubliner continues to struggle to put some results together.

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He missed a glorious opportunity in the opening frame today, and he was punished by the world number 6, who finished the match with a maximum.

"I lost the first frame on the black and had a couple of chances to put it away," he told RTÉ Sport.

"It might have made a bit of a difference.

"Winning that first frame made Kyren very strong. He's one of the top players in the world and he finished off the match in style.

"I was disappointed with my positional play. I know I lost 4-0, and it looks one-sided, but I should have been 2-1 up at one stage, but that's just the way the game goes.

"I was more pleased with how I felt. Coming into other matches when you've been a bit rusty, or lacking a few ones, you would have been a bit more nervous but I was enjoying it out there.

"The Waterfront has got great memories for me, particularly when I played Alex Higgins here a long time ago. It's a great spot and I'm just sorry I didn't give them a bit more to cheer about."

Elite level snooker is cut throat, with the