Snooker:Ken Doherty was sensationally knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Kilkenny Irish Masters this afternoon by fellow Dubliner Fergal O'Brien.
The 1997 world champion, who was ranked number one in the provisional rankings prior to the tournament, was defeated 5-0.
O'Brien, the 1999 British Open champion, will now face seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry or Barry Hawkins in the semi-finals.
"I don't think I've ever whitewashed Ken, he's such a good match player," said an understandably delighted O'Brien.
"I can't ask for a better result than that. I had a dream start and didn't put a foot wrong to lead 4-0."
The turning point in the match came when O'Brien pinched the third frame when well behind.
Trailing 58-0, the Irishman pocketed a cool 59 clearance and never looked back.
"I won a deadly third frame," he added. "I felt a bit of pressure in the last frame because you know with Ken he never gives up, so to get over the winning line is important.
"It was a great atmosphere out there. We both knew before that there was going to be one Irishman in the semis, I'm just glad it's me.
"I'd be foolish to say I'm going to win the tournament, I've got a tough match and if I play well there's every chance I can get into the final."
O'Brien was dominant from start to finish against Doherty, last season's Malta Cup champion.
Breaks of 96, 49, 59, 69 and 47 did the damage as O'Brien triumphed in just under two hours.