Snooker legend Ken Doherty retires as he admits defeat over final goal

Former world champion Ken Doherty has retired from professional snooker at 56 years old, accepting that his final goal in the game is out of reach.

The Darlin of Dublin has carved out a superb career on the baize, with the pinnacle being his Crucible triumph over Stephen Hendry in the 1997 final.

The Irishman reached two more World Championship finals, and while he narrowly missed out on another Triple Crown success, he made it to three UK Championship finals and two Masters showpieces.

A World Under-21 champion and World Amateur champion in 1989, he turned professional in 1990 and won six ranking events, reaching a peak in the rankings of number two.

The inevitable slide down the rankings came, though, and since 2017 Doherty has been playing on the main circuit thanks to invitational tour cards.

There has still been the odd bit of brilliance, but results have been difficult to come by and Crafty Ken is hanging up his cue when it comes to the professional game.

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‘It’s come to that time and I’ve decided to call it a day on the main tour,’ Doherty told the Irish Independent.

‘I’m still going to play on the seniors, but on the main tour, the time has come.

‘I probably should have hung up the cue a few years ago. But I just love the game, love playing, doing the exhibitions.

‘That will never change, but it’s just time to call an end to the career and say that’s enough.’

The immensely popular commentator and pundit says he was continuing to play with the aim of turning out at the Crucible for the World Championship one last time.

2027 would have been the ideal time to do it, 30 years on from his greatest triumph, but he has accepted that coming through qualifying is just too difficult a task at this stage of his career.

‘The goal was always just to play finally at the Crucible for one more year, and 2027 is the anniversary, but I just don’t think I’m able to do it any more. That’s the problem. The guys are too good,’ he said.

‘There’s so many young guys coming up. They have the youth on the side. I don’t any more.

‘You’re beating your head against a brick wall and it’s just not going to happen. I enjoy doing the broadcasting as well, so I’ll be there next year, whatever happens.’

Doherty added: ‘I’ve had a great time. I want to thank everybody, obviously, for all the support over the years. It’s been magnificent, not only here in Ireland, but all over the world.’

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