Ken Doherty Announces Retirement From Professional Snooker

Former world champion Ken Doherty has announced his retirement from professional snooker after a 36-year career. Doherty, 56, reached the pinnacle of the sport when he defeated Stephen Hendry 18-12 in the 1997 Crucible final using a cue that cost him £2. The Irishman turned professional in 1990 and won six ranking events and 17 other titles in total.

He reached two more World Championship finals in 1998 and 2003.

Doherty also advanced to the UK Championship final three times and finished as runner-up in the Masters twice. Doherty was world number two during the 2006-07 season. In recent years he split his time between playing and punditry work after slipping down the rankings and competing on the main tour with an invitational card.

"It was sad initially when I made the decision, but I'm happy with it now. I wasn't going anywhere and even if I played for another couple of years, I'd come to the realisation I wasn't going to get any better," said Doherty. Having failed to qualify for the World Championship since 2014, Doherty said turning out at the Crucible on one last occasion had become out of reach.

"I wasn't going to compete like I used to. I probably should have done it a few years ago, but I love the game. I love competing and I love playing," Doherty added. "I was hoping something would change but it didn't. I've had a great time playing and have some wonderful memories.

" The Dubliner remains the only player from the Republic of Ireland to win snooker's biggest prize. He moved to London in the late 1980s with a cue, his bag and £500 in his pocket to pursue his dream.