Liang sends Doherty crashing out

Ken Doherty became the third former Crucible winner to exit the World Championships at the first hurdle after losing 10-5 to China's Liang Wenbo.

The damage was mainly done in the first session when Liang, 21, knocked in six half centuries to take a 7-2 lead.

Doherty lost the first frame of the evening session, but took the next two of the next three to keep his faint hopes alive at 9-4 behind.

A nervy final frame saw both players miss chances before Liang sealed it.

Doherty follows world champions Steve Davis and Graeme Dott by losing in the opening round in Sheffield.

The result will be even more painful for Doherty, who will drop out of the elite top 16 next season and will have to pre-qualify for ranking events at Pontins in Prestatyn, North Wales.

The 21-year-old Liang, ranked 66th in the provisional rankings, was unable to dominate as he had done the opening session, which he led 7-2, as Doherty scrapped for his life.

But the youngster kept his nerve throughout some long bouts of safety to emerge victorious and book a second-round spot against Joe Swail.