Snooker World Championship: Ken Doherty won eight frames in a row in a devastating performance to clinch a 10-5 victory over Norwich's Barry Pinches last night in their World Championship first-round match at the Crucible.
Pinches lost the last frame of the first session, but still held a 5-3 lead going into the evening session.
Breaks of 55 and 70 in the ninth saw Doherty move to within one behind, and he followed those with a 91 and a 109 to edge in front.
Pinches had chances in the final frame, but missed a long red, and let Doherty in to complete the rout.
Earlier world number four Paul Hunter, who is battling colon cancer, vowed to return to the Sheffield next year after losing to qualifier Michael Holt.
"I've been in shock because it's not every day you hear you've got cancer at the age of 26. Hopefully I'll be back here next year," he said after his 10-8 defeat.
Hunter, who decided to compete in the tournament after being diagnosed with the disease, was touched by the welcome he received from the Crucible crowd.
"When I came through the curtain yesterday, I was nearly crying," said the Briton.
"I was really pleased to be here because I didn't know if I was going to play. I'm just taking it one day at a time at the moment."
Hunter goes for a scan today to see if his condition has worsened.
Jimmy White, who fought testicular cancer, stormed to an 8-1 overnight lead over Ireland's Fergal O'Brien at the end of the opening session in their match.
Crowd favourite White was in irresistible form, scoring heavily at every opportunity.
Beginning with an 80, White made six breaks over 50, with a 43 in the last frame completing a terrific session.
Even when O'Brien was 66-0 ahead in the eighth, a mistake put White in, and a cheeky break of 67 pinched the frame.
O'Brien's luck was out, as he fouled nine times after snookering himself on the yellow early in the match. Ironically, this was the only frame O'Brien won.
Also yesterday, Shaun Murphy beat Chris Small 10-5 to record his first win at the Crucible.
