Scott Donaldson hails Stephen Hendry for his contribution to snooker – Snooker Update
During the quarter-final stage proceedings of the 2012 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the former seven-time World Snooker Championship winner from Scotland, Stephen Hendry was up against compatriot Stephen Maguire where
he lost to him by the score line of 2-13. After the match up, the Scotsman announced his retirement from the game and said that he was going to China for coaching.
Hendry’s retirement was quite sudden but the world of snooker respected that and appreciated him in their way. Indeed the former champ has spent most of his life playing at the baize which makes him one of the biggest contributors of the game.
Winner of the 2012 European Snooker Championship, Scotland’s Scott Donaldson has also appreciated the veteran potter and has hailed him for his countless contributions to the game. Donaldson lives at 15-minute drive from Hendry’s house and has seen him playing
in big tournaments. However, he never had the chance to practice with the legendary potter which he really regrets.
While speaking to World Snooker, Donaldson said, “What Stephen did in the game was incredible, to win 36 ranking events is insane. I used to play against his son Blaine in junior tournaments and he would be there watching, though I never spoke to him. He
has always been my idol, along with John Higgins.”
He added, “Stephen was the one who really got the ball rolling for Scottish snooker so those of us who have come after him have a lot to thank him for.”
However, he has had a practice session with the four-time World Snooker Championship winner, John Higgins and former two-time World Snooker Championship winner, Mark Williams.
Donaldson has now booked his place in the pro circuit tour of the new snooker season enabling him to take part in qualifying sessions of all major ranking snooker tournaments. He usually practises with his fellow potter Michael Leslie, who is also a pro
tour ticket holder.
It will be interesting to see what type of impact Donaldson will have during the new snooker season as he is looking in decent form.
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