Igor Figueiredo claims historic World Seniors Championship title
Figueiredo kisses the trophy
Igor Figueiredo became the first Brazilian to win a televised snooker tournament as he claimed the World Seniors Championship title with a 5-2 victory over Ken Doherty.
The 46-year-old, who resigned his tour card in 2022 for financial reasons, enjoyed the biggest success of his career as he clinched the £20,000 title at The Crucible.
Figueiredo reached the semi-finals in his only previous World Seniors Championship appearance in 2021 but stormed to the title on his return courtesy of four dominant wins.
Having seen off Tessa Davidson 3-1 in the opening round, Figueiredo then dethroned reigning champion Jimmy White 3-0 before thrashing Tony Drago 4-1 in the semi-finals with the aid of two century breaks.
A superb start to the final saw Doherty clinch the first frame with a break of 100 before Figueiredo hit back with a 72 break in the second.
Figueiredo secured frame three to move in front, before adding a break of 93 to extend his lead at the interval.
A missed green proved costly for Doherty in frame five as Figueiredo moved to within one of victory, but the Dubliner recovered to produce two half centuries and reduce the deficit to 4-2.
Figueiredo, however, sealed the deal in style with a break of 88, becoming the first South American to triumph at The Crucible.
“I don’t have any words for this moment,” said Figueiredo. “I just wanted to control my emotions.
“I have a dream to be back [on the main tour], I think my age is just a number.
“It’s a very special moment to play in the Champion of Champions, rolling with the stars.”
Doherty was appearing in his second World Seniors Championship final, but fell short once again in his bid to add this title to his World Amateur Championship and World Championship triumphs.
“He just played fantastic,” admitted Doherty. “I got off to a good start but he came back really strongly, potted some good balls and made some really good breaks and finished it off in style.
“He deserved to win, he played much better than me today.”
Victory for Figueiredo sees him secure a place in November’s Champion of Champions in Bolton.