Veteran Fergal O'Brien to retire from snooker after 30-year career

The Dubliner who reached a career-high of ninth in the world in 2000-01 revealed his intention to hang up his cue to RTE Sport 

END OF THE LINE: Fergal O'Brien. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Veteran Irish snooker pro Fergal O'Brien has revealed his intention to step away from the table, bringing the curtain down on a career which has spanned over 30 years.

O'Brien is a former British Open winner and finalist at the Masters in 2001 but lost his elite-level playing privileges last year when he was relegated from the professional tour. While he later regained his status in Q School, O'Brien has decided that now is the right time to transition to a role away from day-to-day competition.