He should have reached the 2003 World Championship final, where he led Ken Doherty 15-9 in the semi-finals before the Irishman stormed back to win 17-16.

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Williams, the provisional world number 42, lost 4-1 to Ken Doherty and the exit now leaves the Welshman in serious danger of failing to secure a top 32 starting rank next season.

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Ken Doherty suffered a 4-3 opening loss to fellow Dubliner Michael Judge, having at one stage led 3-2.

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Ken Doherty recovered from 2-1 down to edge Nigel Bond 3-2, while Mark Williams was sunk 3-0 by Stuart Bingham in the season's first major tournament.

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The third man through to the last 16 is Irishman Ken Doherty, who beat Ali Carter 5-3.

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Dubliner Ken Doherty upset Scottish world number one John Higgins 6-2 in Saturday's first semi-final.

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But Irishman Ken Doherty kissed goodbye to his hopes after losing 4-3 to Ian McCulloch, a third loss which left him propping up the six-player group headed by unbeaten Ricky Walden.

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Also on Friday, Neil Robertson and Ken Doherty will lock horns for a place in the semi-finals after Australian Robertson beat Ulsterman Joe Swail 4-2.

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