Stephen Hendry was the greatest player in the world, says World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn
After serving 27 valuable years in snooker, the former seven-time World Snooker Champion, Scotland’s Stephen Hendry announced his retirement right after he lost his quarter-final encounter of the 2012 World Snooker Championship at the hands of Stephen Maguire
under the Crucible Theatre ceiling in Sheffield.
The veteran crashed out of the mega even by the score line of 2-13, which was his lowest score in the tournament.
The Golden Brain was hailed all over the World for his contribution to the sport and paid tribute to his snooker skills. In this regard, the World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn was a little bit sad due to the veteran’s retirement and felt that he was the
reason behind Hendry’s retirement.
However, the snooker boss appreciated the Great One and claimed he is the greatest player of all times as the Golden Boy has achieved so much in the game.
While speaking to the media, Hearn said, “I suppose I’ve retired Stephen Hendry, which I don’t feel proud of. But you don’t run a sport for the benefit of any great – and he was the greatest player in the world.”
The snooker chief added, “Those days are gone, and they’re not going to come back. Steve Davis should have had a knighthood 10 years ago, and Stephen Hendry for his contribution to the game is right up there as well. Both feature far above many previous
recipients.”
Before leaving the world of snooker, the Wonder Brain equalised the maximum break record of the Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan after he pocketed his 11th 147-point max break in his first match of the 2012 World Snooker Championship against Stuart Bingham.
However, the veteran cueman believes the former four-time World Snooker Championship winner, John Higgins is the only one who can break his record of maximum world titles.
Hendry’s retirement announcement was quite shocking but the Scotsman said that he had planned it before coming to the mega event. He hinted his retirement last year as well after losing in the 2011 World Snooker Championship but after consulting his family,
he reversed his decision and decided to take place in major ranking events only.
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