O'Sullivan's escape act

O'Sullivan: prevailed in deciding frame

You're not going to win lots of matches from 4-2 down, so I'm pleased I got through.

Ronnie O'Sullivan
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Snooker Schedule
• World Rankings
• Snooker DVDs

World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan won the final three frames to beat Ken Doherty in the second round of the Northern Ireland Trophy.

Click here for the latest results

O'Sullivan found himself on the brink of an early exit at 4-2 down after Ireland's Doherty had knocked in breaks of 75, 65 and 47.

But the Englishman - who compiled runs of 110, 83, 74 and 85 during the match - found some fluency just in time at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.

"I was pleased with the way I came back, I didn't expect to win it in that style. It's always nice when you do," said O'Sullivan, who now faces Cambridgeshire cueman Joe Perry in the last 16.

"I could have lost that match, Ken is the type of player who will not give you many opportunities.

"You're not going to win lots of matches from 4-2 down, so I'm pleased I got through.

"I had to make something happen. I did which is very pleasing.

"I'm always really focused. It was a great atmosphere out there. He had a lot of support from the Irish supporters, which you'd expect.

Atmosphere

"But I also had good support out there, so it made for a good atmosphere.

"You enjoy it when the atmosphere is good. A big crowd helps you concentrate."

Doherty, the 1997 world champion, was disappointed not to have inflicted an upset, but took plenty of pride from his battling performance.

"I played well, but I didn't have a chance in the last three frames," reflected the world number 18. "It was a really good match, he had to play well to beat me.

"It's disappointing to lose, but I didn't do a great deal wrong. I can derive a little bit of confidence from the way I played - I played to a really good standard. Hopefully I can keep it going in my next match.

"I don't mind playing against players like Ronnie because it makes me raise my game. It's the other players which I struggle against.

"I have to try to build on this performance even though it is a defeat, I've got to take heart and confidence from the way I played."

But Sussex qualifier Mark Davis did manages to inflict a shock, beating China's Ding Junhui 5-4.

Ali Carter awaits Davis in the last 16.