An Interview With Snooker Legend, Ken Doherty.
4th December 2025
We sat down with snooker legend and Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics brand ambassador Ken Doherty to ask him about his snooker career, the game, and his experience with Hainsworth cloth.
Ken’s journey into snooker began in the most classic of ways: in front of a black and white TV in his family home in Dublin, captivated by the flair of Alex Higgins on Pot Black.
From receiving a tiny table for Christmas to sweeping floors at a local club just to play, Ken’s early love for the game quickly grew into a lifelong passion. That fascination with strategy, precision, and the beauty of the green baize eventually propelled him to the pinnacle of snooker – from winning the World Amateur Championship to claiming the World Professional title in 1997.
Throughout his career, Ken has seen firsthand how the smallest details, like the quality of a table cloth, can make all the difference. His partnership with Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics reflects this commitment to excellence, blending his respect for tradition with the precision required at the highest level.
In this interview, Ken shares not only his personal connection to snooker but also the importance of quality equipment, the evolution of the sport, and what it takes to inspire the next generation of players.
What’s been the highlight of your snooker career?
That’s an easy one. As an amateur, winning the World Amateur Championship in 1989 was huge. And as a professional, winning the World Championship in 1997, beating Stephen Hendry in the final, was the ultimate dream.
To this day, nobody else has won the World Juniors, the World Amateur, and the World Professional Championships. I’m still the only one to do the treble. Coming back to Dublin afterwards was incredible, with an open-top bus through the city, people lining the streets, flags waving, and a civic reception at the Mansion House. A dream come true.
How has the playing surface influenced your performance over the years?
Without a doubt, cloth quality has improved massively. When I first turned professional in 1990, the cloths were good, but not at today’s standard – heavier and a bit slower. Now they’re so much better, which is why you see more centuries and 147s.
The overall standard of play has risen too, but the cloth and balls have played a big part. They’ve become much more consistent, allowing players to really push the limits of the game.
What does precision and consistency in the game mean to you as a professional?
In snooker, everything comes down to millimetres. If you’re even one or two millimetres off, it can cost you a frame. Precision is absolutely crucial to maintaining control of the cue ball and keeping breaks going.
How important is the playing surface when it comes to professional or competitive snooker and pool?
It’s absolutely vital. Professionals love playing on faster cloths. Over the years, there have been inconsistencies, especially with humidity in different countries, but Hainsworth Precision cloth isn’t affected by that.
It’s consistent, finely made, and lovely to play on. I think any serious player would really enjoy it.
As someone who’s played at the highest level, what qualities do you look for in a table cloth?
Consistency, speed, and quality. As professionals, we want to play on the best. And I’d say Hainsworth Precision is right up there with the best cloths available.
Why do you believe serious players should choose premium cloth like Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics?
If amateur players have ambitions of going professional, they need to practise on surfaces that match the speed and quality of the pro tour. The cloths on the club tables are completely different. So to practice on a cloth that’s just as quick is important, even in snooker clubs, and if you have ambitions to improve your game and get a lot better in different areas. The Precision cloth is fast, reliable, and perfect for that.
What message would you give to young players coming up in the game?
Get a good coach early on to help you with the basics – stance, cue action, technique. To improve you’ve just got to practice regularly, play in tournaments, and play against players who are better than you.
Also, watch the game on TV or online, and watch how different players play. There’s so much you can learn from just watching; the basics, cue action and of course, lots of practice.
What excites you most about the future of cue sports?
The young players coming through into the game, and the expanding popularity in the Far East. We’ve just had the first Chinese world champion, which shows how global the game is becoming. I’d love to see it continue to grow in Asia, mainland Europe, and the Americas.
The future is bright, and we want bigger tournaments and more international players. There are more international players than ever before, and that’s brilliant for the sport’s future.
What does it mean to you personally to represent a heritage British brand in the sport?
It’s an honour. The company has a wonderful history and heritage, and the people who work there produce exceptional cloth. I’m proud to be associated with that tradition and quality.
Ken Doherty
Snooker Player & 1997 World Champion
To become the best, you need to play on the best. If you choose to play on Hainsworth cloth, you can’t go far wrong.
