Ken Doherty could have lost by a bigger margin

The former world champion's demise followed on from the exits earlier in the day of Northern Ireland pair Gerard Greene and Joe Swail.

"It was tough match and I never played that well if I'm honest," said Doherty.

"This is the lowest I've felt all season. And you probably won't see me for a couple of days because it will be hard to be around with the tournament still on."

Doherty could have lost by a larger margin but for a do-or-die shot at the end of the eighth frame.

O'Sullivan sparks Williams feud

After Harold ran out of position potting the last pink Doherty took on an outrageous shot and cut in the black.

Paul Hunter, who received a bye in the first round, recorded a 5-4 win over seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry.

"I had some good fortune in the last frame when Stephen had a massive kick on the black," said Hunter.

"But he was also lucky to get his first red so I suppose things even themselves out."

Davis will return to the Crucible after a three-year absence

Steve Davis maintained his resurgence this season by beating world number seven Stephen Lee 5-1.

Davis recently qualified for the World Championships in Sheffield and seems certain to regain his place in the elite top 16 next season.

Lee was provisional number one in the world rankings at the start of this season but his disappointing campaign continued in Dublin.

Tuesday results:
Dave Harold (Eng) 5-4 Ken Doherty (Irl) 5-4
Matthew Stevens (Wal) 5-4 Joe Perry (Eng)
Paul Hunter (Eng) 5-4 Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Stephen Lee (Eng) 1-5 Steve Davis (Eng)
Mark Williams (Wal) 5-1 Rod Lawler (Eng)
Quentin Hann (Aus) 5-4 Gerard Greene (NI)
Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-3 Stuart Bingham (Eng)
Peter Ebdon (Eng) 5-1 Brian Morgan (Eng)
Stephen Maguire (Sco) 5-3 Joe Swail (NIrl)