Ken Doherty: Snooker is Bigger Than Ronnie O'Sullivan

LONDON, GB – As the snooker world looks ahead to the next generation of champions, former World Champion Ken Doherty has delivered a clear message: the sport will endure, regardless of the presence of its biggest star, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 Masters final between Kyren Wilson and John Higgins, Doherty asserted that snooker’s foundation is far stronger than any single individual, even one as iconic as ‘The Rocket’.

O’Sullivan, often cited as the greatest player ever, has been the undisputed talisman of modern snooker for three decades, drawing massive audiences and commercial interest. However, Doherty, speaking to Dublin City FM and referencing his comments to Midnite, firmly believes the game’s inherent appeal will carry it forward.

The Post-Rocket Era: A Natural Succession

“Ronnie O’Sullivan isn’t irreplaceable,” Doherty stated, acknowledging O’Sullivan’s monumental contribution to the sport. “He’s been a wonderful servant, a tremendous character, and he’s drawn loads of people to it. But all things come to pass.”

Doherty draws a historical parallel to emphasize his point, referencing the era following another snooker legend. “The game is bigger than one person. It survived when Alex Higgins was finished, and the game will always survive,” he explained. “Because it’s the appeal of the game as opposed to the individuals, do you know what I mean? The fascination with it.”

This perspective comes as the 2026 Masters tournament proved unexpectedly dramatic, featuring several shocking results and showcasing emerging talent, even in O’Sullivan’s absence from the final stages. Doherty noted that many people have stepped up to fill the void left by the sport’s biggest name.

Masters Final Analysis: Wilson vs. Higgins

The focus shifted to the final showdown at Alexandra Palace, a match Doherty admitted was incredibly difficult to call. The contest pits the resurgent Kyren Wilson against the evergreen John Higgins, who at 50 years old, demonstrated remarkable grit to reach the title match.

“John Higgins’ performance is an amazing performance at the ripe old age of 50,” Doherty praised. “He came back from 5-3 down, he was one shot away from going out but dug deep. He still has that competitive edge. He’s still cool and calm and composed under pressure.”

Wilson, meanwhile, was noted for his mental fortitude following previous struggles. “It’s good to see Kyren back confident with the cue after the meltdown at the UK,” Doherty added, suggesting Wilson’s return to form sets up a clash of wills.

The Unpredictability of Elite Sport

Doherty was effusive in his praise for the overall spectacle of the 2026 Masters, highlighting the sheer unpredictability that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The tournament was marked by an astonishing run of 6-2 scorelines.

“I wish I had the foresight to see all the 6-2s, I’d be a very wealthy man! Eight 6-2s, 9 or 10 million to one, you couldn’t write it,” he exclaimed. This series of lopsided results, while statistically improbable, ultimately underscored the volatile nature of high-level competition.

“It just shows you sport is very unpredictable and that’s the way it should be. It shouldn’t be predictable. Because if it is, it’s boring,” Doherty commented. Beyond the established names, the tournament introduced exciting prospects to the global stage, notably Wu Yize.

“They’ve seen some up-and-coming stars and particularly Wu Yize. They will take him into their hearts I’m sure. But it’s been great. We’ve had some amazing snooker. We’ve had some amazing shocks. The atmosphere in here at the Ally Pally with the people is just amazing.”

Doherty’s Unexpected Role at Ally Pally

In a lighter note, Doherty revealed his hands-on involvement in supporting the event logistics, specifically helping ferry fans to the venue, referencing his participation in the Midnite-sponsored shuttle service.

“I don’t know what I’m going to be able to do, my golf is so bad that I can’t even drive the buggy straight! I might make it up the hill in the buggy, I should be ok! But we’ll have a bit of fun,” he quipped, inviting fans to share a ride and a chat. This willingness to engage directly with the fanbase reinforces the notion that snooker thrives on the personalities connected to the game, even as it evolves beyond its current icon.

Ultimately, Doherty’s assessment is one of optimism. While O’Sullivan’s reign has been unparalleled, the structure, appeal, and emerging talent pool guarantee snooker’s continued relevance long after the Rocket hangs up his cue.