Ken Doherty has admitted he would rather not have to play Ronnie O'Sullivan in the World Seniors Snooker Championship, but still considers it a 'treat' to face the Rocket at the Crucible. The two former world champions are set to meet in the second round of the tournament on Friday afternoon, following Doherty's narrow 4-3 victory over Gerard Greene in his opening match on Thursday.
Doherty's Candid Admission
The 56-year-old Irishman, who first competed in the World Seniors Championship in 2010, acknowledged the challenge posed by O'Sullivan, who is making his debut in the event at age 50. The seven-time world champion became eligible after the termination of the partnership between World Seniors Snooker and World Snooker Tour last year, which now allows any player over 40 to participate regardless of world ranking.
'Listen, to have him in the tournament is obviously going to attract a lot of attention,' Doherty told Metro. 'It's going to attract a lot of ticket sales, and I don't know how much he wants to win. That's up to himself. I'd rather not play him, if I'm honest. I'd rather be playing somebody else, but it is what it is, and listen, I'm just going to go and enjoy it. I'm not expecting too much, and we'll just see what happens.'
A History of Battles
Doherty and O'Sullivan first faced each other in 1992, and their most recent professional meeting was at the International Championship in 2023. While the Irishman has lost more than he has won against the Rocket, he has secured some significant victories over him. 'I played Ronnie in China not so long ago, but I think the last time I competed with Ronnie, that's a long, long time ago,' said Doherty. 'I've never played him at the Crucible, all the years I've played him, I played him in the Masters and in the UK, and I've beaten him in both, but that was a long, long time ago, when I was a lot younger. He's the greatest player that's ever played the game, and I'm just going to go and enjoy it. It would be a treat to play him at the Crucible.'
Tournament Dynamics Changed
O'Sullivan is now the runaway favourite to win the title on his debut, especially after other leading professionals like Ali Carter and Stuart Bingham also took advantage of the rule change. Doherty, who was runner-up in 2020 and 2024, sees his chances of a first title severely diminished. He accepts that the tournament's dynamics have shifted but understands the commercial benefit O'Sullivan brings.
Thrilling Opener
Doherty's win over Greene went to a black ball shootout after a 3-3 draw, with the World Seniors Championship adopting a re-spot rule at that stage. 'My heart was pumping, I know that,' said the 1997 world champion. 'At our age, it's not good for the ticker! It might be good for the spectators and for the TV. No, but it was nice to get through.' He also praised the innovations in the Seniors event, suggesting that ball-in-hand for fouls could further speed up play.
Schedule and Outlook
The World Seniors Snooker Championship continues with matches scheduled through Friday, including the highly anticipated clash between O'Sullivan and Doherty. Other notable players in action include Jimmy White, Stuart Bingham, and Ali Carter. Doherty remains philosophical about his chances, focusing on enjoying the occasion against the greatest player in the sport's history.
