Stephen Hendry reveals potential date for competitive return
Stephen Hendry in action (Photo by World Snooker)
Seven-time World Champion Stephen Hendry has hinted at a possible return date for his professional comeback.
Hendry retired from the sport in 2012 after a glittering career which saw him dominate snooker in the 90s, gaining the nickname ‘The King of The Crucible.’
He made a spectacular maximum break in his last World Championship en route to the Quarter-Finals before bowing out whilst still situated among the sport’s elite.
Since then, he has featured on the World Seniors circuit, most recently at The Crucible last August, and has primarily worked as a television pundit for ITV and the BBC during major tournaments.
After eight years away, the legendary Scotsman made a stunning U-turn last September, accepting WST Chairman Barry Hearn’s offer of a wildcard that will keep him on the main tour until at least 2022.
Hendry, however, has not featured in any of the eight ranking events so far this season, having vowed not to return until crowds were permitted back in arenas and until he felt his game was ‘ready’.
With the sport set to remain behind closed doors in the coming months, the 51-year-old has now opened the door to a potential return as early as February.
When asked by a fan during an Instagram Live when he was planning to make a comeback, Hendry replied: “Probably at the Welsh Open.”
The Welsh Open is scheduled to take place from February 15-21 at a venue to be confirmed.
Hendry also revealed he is considering competing in new Pro Series event in March, which will feature 128 players split into 16 groups of eight, competing in a round robin format.
The WST Pro Series will have a prize fund in excess of £300,000, and the winner will earn a place in this year’s Champion of Champions.