Inspired Greene stuns Doherty

Gerard Greene made Brighton rock yesterday as he knocked world no. 6 Ken Doherty out of the £450,000 British Open.

Doherty, runner-up to Mark Williams in this year's World Championship, compiled two century breaks - 127 and 130 - yet still lost 5-2 to an inspired Greene.

The Kent professional did not miss a ball in the first five frames as runs of 85, 69, 74 and 78 put him 4-1 ahead. Doherty hit back in the sixth frame with his second ton but a break of 49 put Greene in control of the seventh, which he eventually clinched with a superb long red down the side cushion.

"I missed two balls and found myself 4-1 down, which is very rare unless you are up against one of the top players like Williams or O'Sullivan," said a dismayed Doherty. "I have no complaints; Gerard potted some sensational balls."

Greene, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, is up to number 17 in the provisional world rankings but insists he is not thinking about breaking into the top 16 at the moment.

"I'll talk about that after the World Championship if it happens," said the Northern Ireland Nations Cup player, who also defeated Doherty 9-5 in the last 32 of the 2000 UK Championship.

Drago beats White 5-2

Tony Drago came back from two frames down to beat Jimmy White 5-2 and book his place in the last 16 of the British Open last night.

The Malta professional had a slow start conceding the first two frames. But he soon found his touch, winning the next five frames to set up a match against Stephen Lee tonight.

The winner of this match will face either Paul Hunter or David Gray in the quarter-finals.

Second round: Hunter bt Murphy 5-2; Hann bt Hicks 5-3; Gray bt Dyson 5-2; O'Sullivan bt Maguire 5-3; Stevens bt King 5-1; Lee bt Fu 5-2; Hendry bt Dale 5-2; M. Davis bt McManus 5-4.