KEN DOHERTY, the world number nine, became the sixth top ten casualty in the Sweater Shop International at Swindon yesterday when he was beaten 5-2 by Gary Pouting, a 21-year old from Bristol, in the first round.

It was the second time this season that Doherty, who compiled a break of 119 in the third frame, had lost in the first round of a ranking tournament.

"I lost the fourth frame on a respotted black and instead of leading 3-1, the scores were level. It was the turning point, because up until then I was playing all right," said Doherty.

The Irishman, commenting on the fact that so many top ten players had been beaten, said: "I blew a great chance to do some catching up on the provisional ranking list but I deserve what I got. When you play badly you can't expect to win."

Jimmy White, ranked seven, was another surprise casualty when he was beaten 5-1 by Dave Finbow of Worcester.