The thought of retirement is very scary, says Ken Doherty

The snooker legend feels fear, sadness and frustration as he prepares for retirement, writes Niamh Horan

Lucky in love: Ken and wife Sarah. Photo: Brian McEvoy

Niamh Horan

It is often said that a sports star dies twice - the first time when they retire. Professional athletes dread when the end looms after dedicating their life to the sport - and former world snooker champion Ken Doherty is no different.

The only player to have won both the amateur and professional world titles, Doherty said the day is "fast approaching" to leave the game. "I get very frustrated and sad that I can feel it coming to an end," he told the Sunday Independent, "and I don't know how I am going to cope".