Former title holder Ken Doherty was defeated 6-5 by current world champion Shaun Murphy in the second round of the Wembley Masters last night.

Things looked promising for the Dubliner as he led 5-4 but Murphy held his nerve to claim the next two frames and victory.

Earlier yesterday, Jimmy White's last appearance at the Wembley Conference Centre ended in a 6-3 defeat against John Higgins. White faltered on his home turf, the world number eight and 1984 champion going out in the second round to the Scot at a venue which will be demolished later this year.

White led 2-1 but could not contain Higgins who battled his way to a quarter-final showdown with Murphy.

"My safety was abysmal, and that meant I didn't have many chances," said White, who bid a sad farewell to the Conference Centre before a 1,200-plus crowd. "It's a great tournament here and a real shame that is the last time it's going to be held here.

"We've got to have a tournament in the capital, so I hope they (World Snooker) find somewhere to host the tournament.

"I would have loved to have won here in my last match. But I was hitting my safety shots either too thick or too thin. You can't afford to that with John."

White won a scrappy opener, before Higgins levelled. A 58 break saw White go back in front. But Higgins made a wonderful 110 break to draw all square and then took the lead with runs of 30 and 31.

White hit back with three breaks in the sixth frame, before Higgins added breaks of 90 and 59. "The crowd seemed to take him along on a wave. It's a totally different atmosphere to playing anyone anywhere," said Higgins.

"You've just got to stick with Jimmy and not let him get a lead. If he gets a lead the crowd really spur him on.

"I was rushing some of my shots because of the occasion - but I'm happy with the win. I also made some gestures to the crowd, which you shouldn't do. But it's all good fun."