2024. The Players Championship – Day 4
Doherty explained how O’Sullivan “didn’t speak to me for about six months” after he was forced to surrender. title and prize money. The winner pocketed £60,000 for coming out on top at the iconic Goffs venue. The runner-up took home £30,000.
O’Sullivan’s title was also changed and he was forced to surrender his prize money. his £60,000 to Doherty despite winning in Ireland. Ireland’s Doherty, who became world champion last year, reflected on the incident and how O’Sullivan continued to tease him after that final.
“I was disappointed to lose two finals there, one to Stephen (Hendry) and one. to Ronnie,” said Doherty to Metro. “Ronnie failed a drug test for smoking weed and had to give me the winning cheque!
Ken Doherty pocketed £60,000 after Ronnie O’Sullivan tested positive for a banned substance. (Photo: Getty)
“I took the winner controlled well, but didn’t really feel like a champion. He had to give me £60,000 and I gave him a runner’s check for £30,000 so that’s probably the most expensive food he’s ever smoked in his life.
“I didn’t turn down £60,000. no prize . , but the money softened the loss somewhat. He didn’t speak to me for about six months after that! I was told after a few weeks. I didn’t think I was going to get anything, he had to send an apology. He was absolutely devastated. I don’t though.”
At the time, O’Sullivan’s lawyer described the snooker scandal as a “disgrace” after struggling with alcohol, drugs and mental health throughout his career. In 2013, The Rocket discussed drug use while on tour, which eventually came back to bite him against Doherty.
“When I had weekly curves and my private life fell apart, I had a great year professionally,” he wrote in his autobiography Running. trials, I can go out and crush it.”.
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