Ken Doherty retires from snooker's main tour

Doherty's ambition had been to play at the World Snooker Championship one more time but he now believes that is not possible. He will continue to play on the senior circuit.

Ken Doherty turned professional in 1990, winning six ranking titles during his career. Pic:  ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ken Doherty has announced his retirement from snooker's main tour. The 56-year-old - world snooker champion in 1997 - will continue to play on the senior circuit.

Doherty's aim had been to play at the World Snooker Championship one more time - the 30-year anniversary of his most famous win being the ambition - but he now believes that is not possible.

“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."

Ken Doherty with family and friends on an open top bus tour of Dublin following his victory at the 1997 World Snooker Championship. Pic: INPHO

Doherty, currently ranked 106th in the world, turned professional in 1990. He won his first of six ranking titles - the Welsh Open - in 1993, and beat Stephen Hendry 18-12 to claim the world title four years later. Doherty won his last ranking title in 2006.

“The goal was always just to play finally at the Crucible for one more year, and 2027 is the [30-year] anniversary, but I just don’t think I’m able to do it any more," he said.

"That’s the problem. The guys are too good.

“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.”