Doherty denied landmark record as in-form Figueiredo claims World Seniors title

Ken Doherty’s hope of claiming his maiden World Seniors Championship title will have to wait for another year after he lost 5-2 to an in-form Igor Figueiredo in Sunday’s final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The popular Irishman was hoping to become the first player in history to complete a clean sweep of the sport’s world titles having won the professional, amateur and Under-21 crowns in his storied 34-year career.

But Brazilian Figueiredo picked up from where he left off to claim the title for the first time, having enjoyed dominant wins over defending champion Jimmy White (3-0) and Maltese speed merchant Tony Drago (4-1) in reaching the showpiece final.

Doherty made a blistering start to the match with a 100 break in the opening frame, but knocks of 72 and 93 saw the powerful Rio de Janeiro cueman recover to move 3-1 clear at the mid-session break.

Knocks of 50 and 56 saw Doherty keep the final alive by winning the sixth frame after his opponent edged a tight fifth frame to lead 4-1, but Figueiredo closed with an excellent 88 clearance to become the first major winner from South America in the final major of the 2023/24 snooker season.

“He just played fantastic,” said Doherty. “He finished it off on style. He deserved to win. He played much better than me today. I fell a bit short, but congratulations to Igor. He’s a great guy, and I just say well done.”

The win is worth at least £32,500 to the new champion, who earns £20,000 for the victory plus another guaranteed £12,500 as a qualifier for the elite Champion of Champions event in November.

“I feel over the moon. Every shot, I just want to control my emotion,” said Figueiredo, who was flanked by wife Camilla. “It’s so good for me. This is very special for me.

“My wife is very important to me. Supporting my life. She gives me a lot of support. Thank you God.”