Cueing up for the snooker world championship - Stephen Hendry
Bettor.com profiles the main players and outsiders for this year’s world championship
In what category do you place Stephen Hendry? Is he one of the main players, because he’s won this tournament seven times; or is he an outsider, because of his fall from the top and an apparent sign of his age?
Let us look at both sides of the argument. Stephen Hendry is a seven-time Crucible champion. He dominated the 1990s, winning his first world crown in 1990. He would go on to win in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and then add a seventh in 1999. In doing so Hendry had surpassed Steve Davis’ record of six world titles, and had eclipsed Davis as snooker’s new and rising star.
At that stage of his career, Hendry had established himself as the man to beat. He radicalised snooker, and his attacking style of play and elegant break-building propelled him to 36 ranking titles, more than anybody in history. Hendry also has nine maximum breaks, the most recent coming in last year’s quarter-final defeat to Shaun Murphy at Sheffield, which puts him in joint first with Ronnie O’Sullivan. He also has the most number of century breaks, 700-plus, and is a long way clear of the next player behind him, O’Sullivan, who has 500-plus.
The 41-year-old has more experience than any other player when it comes to winning titles and matches at The Crucible. He has the best ability to close out a match at this tournament, and has the knowhow to win at all costs when playing at The Crucible. He has won over 1,000 frames here as well. Sheffield is Hendry’s second home, and it has witnessed some of the finest moments of his playing career.
Hendry nearly made it an incredible eight world titles in 2002, but he lost in a final-frame decider to Peter Ebdon.
Now we go to the other side of the debate. Stephen Hendry may be a winner of 36 ranking titles, but it is five years since he won his last, back in 2005, in the Malta Cup. His last appearance in a ranking final is 2006, where he lost 10-6 to Ebdon in the UK Championship.
Hendry has not lifted a trophy for a very long time, but always has his history to fall back on. However, history does not count for anything when you are struggling to compile breaks over 50. Hendry’s form has dipped drastically since he last won a tournament, although he did reach the quarter-finals of the world championship in 2009, narrowly losing to Shaun Murphy. That defeat was overshadowed by the 147 he compiled. Last year’s good run was a sign that Hendry could still produce at the top level. However, he still continues to be inconsistent, and looks a shadow of a man with a record that makes him one of the greatest players of all time.
Many believe Hendry’s age is playing a major factor in him not being able to produce his best, like he did all those years ago. More often than not, Hendry will be presented with a chance to win the frame at one visit, and more often than not he will miss a straight-forward pot. In the past, Hendry would not make a simple mistake, and would pounce on any sign of weakness being shown by an opponent. Now, it is a struggle for Hendry to play to a consistent level, and the standard of the modern game is catching him out.
It is looking increasingly unlikely that Hendry will win a tournament again. If he were able to win an eighth world title this year, then that would surely be one of the greatest of his world crowns.
Hendry is an outside bet for the tournament win. It is unbelievable to think that he is an outsider rather than a major contender.
But that is just a sign of the times.
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