Hendry packs his cue away

Seven-time world snooker champion retires after heavy defeat.

SHEFFIELD:

He might not be as eccentric as Ronnie O’Sullivan but the game will sorely miss one of the legends of snooker — Stephen Hendry.

The seven-time world champion announced his retirement after losing in the quarter-finals at the world championships, a few days after compiling a 147 in the tournament. However, a crushing 13-2 defeat at the hands of Stephen Maguire was enough to send the 43-year-old out of the event after which the announcement came.

“I am officially retired now from tournament snooker,” said Hendry. “I made the decision about three months ago. I didn’t tell many people but this is me finished from tournament snooker. It was quite an easy decision. There are a few reasons — the schedule didn’t help, I’m not playing the snooker I want to didn’t help and I’m not enjoying practice doesn’t help either. I want to do other things. I’ve got a lot of commitments now in China, which I’ve signed up for and I can’t do that and play snooker because I would never be at home.”

This was Hendry’s 27th consecutive appearance at the world championships, having lost to Willie Thorne on his debut in 1986.

Reflecting on his favourite Crucible memories, Hendry said, “I’ve had so many it’s hard to pinpoint special ones. My first win here, obviously the seventh world title, making maximums, I could write a book on the memories I’ve had here.”

However, the right-handed player insisted it was not time to shed a tear.

“I’ve never been the most emotional person even when I win. It’s sad that I won’t play here again. I love playing here, but no, it’s a relief as much as anything.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2012.