KEN DOHERTY equalled the highest break of the televised stages, a total clearance of 141 on his way to a 9-4 victory over Dennis Taylor in the second round of the UK Championship at Preston Guild Hall last night.

Doherty, who faces Steve Davis for a place in the quarter-finals, also recorded breaks of 88 (twice), 86, 92, 90, 65 and 43. The 141 was the second time in three days that Doherty had recorded his highest break in a ranking event and followed a 140 in the first round against Nick Pearce. But Andy Hicks, beaten 9-5 by Tony Drago, erased the 140 when he put together a 141 in the sixth frame on Tuesday.

"I feel I'm back now to how I was playing a couple of years ago," said Doherty. "I'm cueing Well and buzzing, it's a great feeling. Providing I can keep my concentration I'm in with a good chance of winning the title.

"Dennis played very well to come back from 1-4 to 4-4. It was just the kick in the backside I needed as I had become too relaxed. I had thrown away some scrappy frames.