Ken Doherty’s dream of winning his first World Seniors Championship title was dashed as he lost 5-2 to an impressive Igor Figueiredo in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Doherty, a popular Irishman, was hoping to make history by completing a clean sweep of the sport’s world titles, having already won the professional, amateur, and Under-21 crowns in his long career. Figueiredo, from Brazil, had dominant wins over defending champion Jimmy White and Tony Drago on his way to the final. Despite Doherty starting strongly with a 100 break in the first frame, Figueiredo’s solid play saw him take a 3-1 lead at the mid-session break. Doherty fought back with breaks of 50 and 56, but Figueiredo closed out the match with an 88 clearance to claim his first major title and become the first major winner from South America in the 2023/24 snooker season.
The victory is a significant one for Figueiredo, who walks away with at least £32,500 in prize money, including £20,000 for the win and a guaranteed £12,500 as a qualifier for the Champion of Champions event later in the year. Figueiredo expressed his joy at the win, mentioning his wife Camilla’s support as crucial to his success. He was emotional about the victory and thanked God for the opportunity. Doherty, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent’s performance and acknowledged that Figueiredo was the deserving winner on the day. Despite falling short in the final, Doherty remains a respected figure in the snooker world and will no doubt continue to strive for success in future competitions.
The World Seniors Championship featured a number of exciting matches leading up to the final. In the first round, notable results included Stuart Watson’s 3-0 victory over Tony Knowles, and Ken Doherty’s 3-1 win over Tyson Crinis. The quarter-finals saw Tony Drago, Ken Doherty, Barry Pinches, and Igor Figueiredo emerge victorious, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final lineup. Figueiredo’s impressive 4-1 win over Tony Drago set up the final clash with Doherty, while Doherty’s own strong performance saw him defeat Barry Pinches to advance to the final.
The World Seniors Championship final, played over nine frames, showcased the talent and determination of both Figueiredo and Doherty. Despite an early lead from Doherty, Figueiredo’s consistency and skill allowed him to take control of the match and secure the title in style. Figueiredo’s victory marks a significant moment in snooker history, as he becomes the first major winner from South America in the 2023/24 season. The tournament overall was filled with excitement and high-quality play, highlighting the competitive nature of the snooker world and setting the stage for future events.
Fans can catch top snooker action, including the World Snooker Championship, live on platforms like discovery+, the Eurosport app, and eurosport.com. These platforms provide a way for snooker enthusiasts to follow their favorite players and stay updated on the latest tournament results and news. The World Seniors Championship served as a showcase of talent and skill, with players like Figueiredo and Doherty demonstrating their prowess on the table. As the snooker season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and memorable moments in the world of cue sports.
