IRELAND'S Ken Doherty inflicted one of the worst defeats in the career of snooker legend Steve Davis last night, as he reached the Embassy World Championship quarter finals with a session to spare.

Not since the six times world champion lost 10-1 to Tony Knowles in 1982 has he experienced such a beating on his favourite stage, the Crucible in Sheffield.

"That was a nightmare this was just a very bad day," said Davis, raising a smile despite his public humiliation.

Dubliner Doherty had suffered back to back 6-1 defeats against the world number to in both this year's Wembley and Irish Masters.

Although he hoped to gain revenge, not in his wildest dreams did the 27 year old world number seven anticipate such a wide margin of victory.

"To beat Steve at the Crucible with a session to spare is quite special for me," said a delighted Doherty. "He's kicked my ass a few times this season, so it's nice to return the favour. I always thought I had a great chance and for once I managed to bring my practice form on to the match".

Doherty resumed last night with a 6-2 advantage and he was to lose only one of the next seven flames as he demonstrated who manager Ian Doyle has tipped him as a future world champion.

The Irishman was also within sight of equalling Ronnie O'Sullivan's maximum 147 and sharing a £165,000 pay day.

He cleared 12 reds and 12 blacks to make 96 in frame 12 only to miss an unlucky 13th red. "I am disappointed not to get the max, but it's nice to be able to feel you're capable of doing it when you're in amongst them," he said,

"I had a good day just sitting in my chair, watching him score so heavily," quipped Davis, who sportingly applauded his opponent's display at the end of the match. "It was a great performance. His only problem now is whether he can emulate it."

Doherty is guaranteed £31,500 for reaching the last eight for only the second time in five trips to Sheffield. Opposing him will be world number 88 Dominic Dale, or more likely world number two John Higgins, who resume their match this afternoon with Higgins holding a 6-2 lead.