Doherty Announces Retirement from Professional Snooker

Ken Doherty has announced his retirement from professional snooker after 36 years on the World Snooker Tour.

‘The Darling of Dublin’ reached the pinnacle of the sport in 1997 by defeating Stephen Hendry 18-12 in the World Championship final – ending the Scotsman’s incredible 29-match unbeaten run at the Crucible Theatre.

The following year, Doherty came as close as anyone in history to breaking the ‘Crucible Curse’ when he once again reached the final in Sheffield before losing out to John Higgins 18-12. He would reach a further title match in 2003, when he nearly turned around an 11-5 overnight deficit against Mark Williams before ultimately succumbing to 18-16 defeat.

A former World Junior and World Amateur champion, the Irishman won six ranking event titles during his long and illustrious career and peaked at second in the world for the 2006/07 campaign.

Doherty’s maiden ranking crown came at the 1993 Welsh Open and he went on to win events in Thailand and Malta – the site of his final triumph 13 years later. The three-time Irish Professional champion is also a former Irish Masters, Premier League and Pot Black winner.

Away from the table, Doherty has been a hugely popular pundit and commentator on TV snooker coverage in recent years. He is also a current Director on the WPBSA Players Board and former Chair.

Since 2017, Doherty has remained on the World Snooker Tour with an invitational tour card and his final professional match took place during the 2026 World Championship qualifiers where he lost in the opening round to Patrick Whelan.

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

He added: “There’s so many young guys coming up. They have the youth on the side. I don’t anymore. 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.”

“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.”

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman, said: “I would like to congratulate Ken Doherty on an incredible 36-year career on the World Snooker Tour.”

“I have known Ken for almost 40 years. I was the losing finalist to him when he won the World Junior Championship in 1989, and back then it was very clear to all that he would go on to become a great champion. His illustrious career saw him lift the world title in 1997 and become one of the most popular and beloved players that our sport has ever seen. Not only did he become a great champion on the table, he has always been, and remains, a great champion of our sport.”

“I would like to wish Ken the very best in his retirement from the World Snooker Tour and say a heartfelt thank you for the outstanding service to snooker, and of course, for a lifetime of friendship.”