NEIL ROBERTSON reckons snooker icon Stephen Hendry has still got magic in his cue – if only he could be bothered to practise.
There was much anticipation on Monday afternoon for Hendry’s return to competitive snooker when he faced Robertson, the world No.3, in the
Stephen Hendry has been backed to return as a top snooker starCredit: Getty
Neil Robertson was left impressed by the veteran in their Monday clashCredit: Getty
This event, and individual frames did not last longer than 900 seconds (15 minutes).
Hendry, 56, gave up professional in 2012 but then returned eight years later when he was handed an invitational wildcard by World Snooker Tour chiefs.
This followed a round of golf with snooker supremo Barry Hearn when the offer of a return to the Tour, albeit without having to qualify, was first raised.
Yet the Scotsman hardly played nor practised over the next four years, concentrating more on TV work and building his own YouTube channel.
Hendry is one of the game’s legends, having won seven world titles between 1990-99, as well five UK Championships, six Masters crowns and recorded 778 centuries in professional contests.
Though he is a part-time player these days, there was enough on display in his 6-2 loss to the Australian that rekindled memories of him in his pomp.
It was certainly NOT the 6-0 whitewash that Mark Williams joked it could have been – nor was it “useless” as predicted.
in frame five to close the gap to Robertson to 3-2.
This was the pair’s first meeting since the last 16 of the China Open in 2012 when Robertson, 43, prevailed 5-3 in Beijing.
The Thunder from Down Under was suitably impressed, saying: “I’m glad Stephen could make a century as well.
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“It’s so nice to play Stephen as well. You never know when the next time might be. It was great to see him. When he’s in the balls, he still looks great.
“He doesn’t put in the practice that is required. Still, it’s nice to see him playing well.
“Did you see how aggressive Stephen was in some frames with his break-off? He opened up those eight reds and put me in all sorts of trouble.
“In the past, Stephen thought I was a little bit lazy with my cue-ball control. Probably about 13 years ago now. And he was right.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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