Former world champion Ken Doherty will need to rely on snooker bosses giving him a wildcard if he is to continue his illustrious playing career.

The 1997 world champion was relegated from snooker’s main tour after he suffered a 6-3 loss this afternoon in his World Championship qualifier against Mark King.

Doherty, known to many fans as the Darling of Dublin and as a snooker pundit in the commentary box, has not entered the Q School competition which, if successful, could have seen him earn a fresh two-year tour card.

Three years Doherty ago was given a wildcard by World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn which allowed him to continue his playing days. He was given it due to his past achievements in the sport.

Ken Doherty. Picture by Monique Limbos

But it remains to be seen whether or not he will be given another wildcard this time around.

Doherty has been on the professional circuit since 1990 and won the World Championship seven years later when he beat Stephen Hendry in the final. In total he has won six ranking events and won almost £4 million in prize money.

Following his defeat Doherty told his 55,000 Twitter followers “let’s see what happens” as far as his future playing days were concerned.

He said: “Thanks for all your kind messages over the last few days, I am truly humbled. Disappointing to lose and not be playing at the Crucible this year, congratulations to @markking147 he played great and good luck to him

“Let’s see what happens,thanks.”