Popular world champion announces snooker retirement

The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

• Former snooker world champion Ken Doherty has announced his retirement from the sport.
• Irish star Doherty, 56, who is affectionately known as “The Darlin’ of Dublin”, stated that “it’s the right time” for him to walk away.
• Doherty’s finest hour came in 1997 when he won the World Snooker Championship, beating Stephen Hendry 18-12 in the final.
• Doherty also reached the UK Championship final three times, losing on each occasion, while he was also a two-time beaten finalist at The Masters.
• Doherty has worked with the BBC as a pundit and commentator for an extended period alongside his playing career, and he is set to continue in these roles after putting his cue away for good.