Ken Doherty sees off Chris Wakelin to edge closer to UK Championship spot

Ken Doherty is one win away from playing at the UK Championships after seeing off Chris Wakelin 6-4 in his third round qualifier this afternoon.

The result was particularly impressive for the veteran with Wakelin in the form of his career having reached the final of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast last month.

But Doherty showed all of his battling qualities to advance to the so-called Judgement Day as he looks to get back to York for the first time in five years.

It was a topsy turvy match with Doherty losing the first frame, before winning four of the next five to move 4-2 ahead. Wakelin drew level, but in a match where his highest break was only 52, the 1997 World Champion used all of his experience to get over the line.

After seeing off Duane Jones in his second round qualifier, and Wakelin today, Doherty will face another tough test tomorrow against China's Sijun Yuan.

The 54-year-old reached the UK Championship final in 1994, 2001 and 2002.