Doherty beaten by qualifier Allen in first round

World number two Ken Doherty crashed out of the world championship in the first round yesterday, losing 10-7 to qualifier Mark Allen.

Doherty, winner of the title in 1997 and twice a runner-up, found himself 6-3 down overnight.

The Irishman fought back to level at 7-7 with a 135 break in the 14th frame, but Allen then won the next frames to seal victory on his debut at the Crucible.

"To beat Doherty at the Crucible is definitely the best win of my career," said Allen.

Allen, who is from Northern Ireland, will face Matthew Stevens in the second round.

Doherty expressed his frustration at suffering an early exit after spending six to seven hours a day on the practice table in the build-up to the tournament, but dismissed any thoughts of quitting.

"Of course I'll carry on - it's not that desperate," the 37-year-old Dubliner told reporters.

Other results: Maguire bt Perry 10-3; Gilbert leads Hendry 5-4; Swail bt Williams 10-9.