Stephen Hendry loses 5-1 to Robert Milkins in opening round of 2011 Shanghai Masters tournament
Stephen Hendry, who has won the World Championship a record seven times, lost his battle against the Englishman Robert Milkins by a frame score of 5-1 in a best-of-nine frames opening round match of the 2011 Bank of Communication Shanghai Masters tournament
on Wednesday.
The 2011 Shanghai Masters tournament is being held at the Shanghai Grand Stage in Shanghai, China.
The King of Crucible, Stephen Hendry, who is widely considered as the greatest player ever to pick up a snooker cue, currently holds the 15th spot in the world rankings but his first round exit from Shanghai Masters tournament
is likely to see him fall out of the elite for the first time since 1988.
The 42-year-old legendary Scottish professional snooker player, Hendry, got many chances but every time he failed to utilise them which resulted in an embarrassing 5-1 defeat.
Hendry shared his feelings with the media afterwards and said it was a very disappointing performance from his side but on the same note, he stated he did not have any confidence as he not playing in his best form.
Hendry said, “Of course it would be disappointing. But the way I'm playing at the moment I'd lose in the first round anyway. I'm just playing very badly and I've got very little confidence.”
The 35-year-old Milkins, who currently holds the 35th spot in world rankings, also shared his thoughts with the media. Milkins was pretty excited with his win over Hendry, as he has always considered Hendry in the top
four players on the planet.
Milkins remarked, “I played well from the first frame. Even though Stephen's not on form, you still have to play well to beat him.”
“I've always had a barrier against what I call the top four - Hendry, Mark Williams, John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan. I'd never beaten any of them so it's good to get past that. I've got another one tomorrow against Mark which will be a very tough game,”
he said.
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