Jackie Chan inspires ex-world champion Ken Doherty after a night out singing karaoke ... and playing snooker
- Irishman, who won the world title in 1997, enjoyed the martial arts idol’s company in Hong Kong last weekend
- The world No 65 defeats reigning world champion Mark Williams in the last 32 at China Open on Tuesday
They come from vastly different backgrounds yet formed an unlikely alliance last weekend in Hong Kong. Martial arts hero Jackie Chan comes from the rough and tough film industry where his stunts and numerous film credits are second to none in Hollywood, while Ken Doherty made a name himself on the quiet baize as a former snooker world champion.
Yet somehow they crossed paths in Hong Kong and they hit if off immediately with Doherty teaching Chan a trick or two on the snooker table before Chan showed off his karaoke skills on a night out on the town. Doherty quickly posted his “great night” with the Rush Hour and The Foreigner star on Instagram. Better still, the Irishman said later that Chan had inspired him to win his first round match on Tuesday at the China Open in Beijing.
Doherty, the 1997 world champion well-known to Hong Kong snooker fans, was attending a charity function in town on his way to Beijing for the China Open, which is being held this week.
He met Chan at the same charity function through an acquaintance and they became fast friends. It seemed Doherty, who last won a ranking tournament in 2006, had the time of his life and the 49-year-old Irishman was not going to forget the screen icon’s company.
“Great craic tonight in this man’s company and managed to complete a few of John Virgo’s trick shots,” wrote Doherty in his Instagram account.
“He’s great company, just as you see him on screen,” Doherty told World Snooker. “He loves a good laugh, loves a cigar, a drink and a singalong – just like the Irish. It was one of the best and funniest nights I’ve ever had.”