'The time has come' - 1997 World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty announces retirement

LEGENDARY SNOOKER PLAYER Ken Doherty has announced his retirement.

The 1997 world champion spoke about his decision on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today after initially confirming his decision in an interview with the Irish Independent.

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“It just got harder as I got older,” he explained. “You remember all the good days and can’t replicate that as good as you used to. It becomes hard work and a bit more frustrating.

“So, I do think the time was right. I probably should have done it a few years ago, but I just loved the game, and I’ve had a great time playing. I never get sick of hearing those nice bits of commentary at the end of the ’97 world championship.

“I dreamt about winning the world championship when I saw [Alex] Higgins win it in ’82 and Dennis Taylor win it in ’85. To emulate what they did and bring the cup back to Ireland have the open-top bus from the airport. That was just the dream of all dreams.

“I’ve had great support in Ireland, great support around the world and I really appreciate that. I just think it’s the right time to call it a day.”

After turning professional in 1990, Doherty achieved a career highlight when he became world champion in 1997 with a famous victory over Stephen Hendry at the Crucible.

The 56-year-old intends to continue participating on the senior tour but will no longer be playing on the main tour.