Ken Doherty Rolls Back the Years to Sink Jimmy White in Saudi Showdown – Hails ‘Legend’ Rival After Epic Clash
In a nostalgic showdown between two of snooker’s most beloved figures, Ken Doherty emerged victorious over fellow icon Jimmy White in the opening round of the 2025 Saudi Arabia Masters in Jeddah. The Irishman sealed a 4-1 win in what was a gritty and hard-fought encounter, but it was a moment of class — a 96 break in the second frame — that set the tone for Doherty’s commanding performance.
Despite the competitive nature of the match, the post-game atmosphere was one of mutual respect and admiration. Speaking to TNT Sports, Doherty was full of praise for White, hailing him as a “legend” and a “gentleman” of the game. “Jimmy is a good pal. It’s always a great pleasure playing him. You know, he’s such a gentleman, such a great ambassador. And we’ve had some great battles over the years,” Doherty said. “Today I just came out on top. But he’s still a legend.”
The win sees Doherty advance to the second round of the tournament — dubbed by some as snooker’s ‘fourth major’ — where he will face Latvia’s Artemijs Zizins. With a staggering £500,000 winner’s prize up for grabs, the path to the title is a demanding one, requiring nine match victories. But for Doherty, a former World Champion, the early signs are promising.
While the contest may not have delivered fireworks throughout, it served as a reminder of the enduring appeal and spirit of two veterans who have given decades to the sport. For fans, seeing Doherty and White face off once again brought back memories of snooker’s golden era — and even in defeat, White’s aura remains intact.
As the Saudi Arabia Masters continues to unfold, Doherty will be hoping to carry his momentum forward, knowing tougher challenges lie ahead. But for now, he can relish a special win against a special opponent.
