Doherty to face Figueiredo in World Seniors final after both record dominant semi-final wins

Ken Doherty lifted the World Championship in 1997 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, and has the chance to emulate that historic victory in the World Seniors event on Sunday.

Evergreen Irishman Doherty dropped only one frame in a dominant 4-1 semi-final win over Barry Pinches to secure a final showdown with Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo, who followed up his 3-0 whitewash of defending champion Jimmy White in the quarter-finals with an impressive 4-1 victory against Malta’s Tony Drago.

Doherty lost 5-4 to White in the 2020 final after leading 4-0, but is looking for an improved outcome as he chases his first World Seniors crown this time.

“I got off to a good start by winning that black-ball game and I’m thrilled to bits to get through to the final,” said Doherty, who completed an 18-12 win over Stephen Hendry in the 1997 world final.

“It was a really tough match, and I’m a bit jaded, but just so excited about tomorrow and the final against Igor Figueiredo.

“I’m not going to count any chickens, I’m just going to go out and play my best and give it all I can. I definitely want to win this tournament, it’s one I want to tick off my list, but I have a very tough opponent in front of me.”

Drago restored parity at 1-1 with a 69 break, but Figueiredo rolled in 57, 110 and 119 to book his spot in Sunday’s best-of-nine final in Sheffield with the victor collecting the trophy and a £20,000 winner’s cheque.

“I am very happy,” he said. “I played very well in the last two frames. Two century breaks is not bad for myself. I am very happy to get into the final.”

The showpiece match gets underway at 12pm UK time at the Crucible.