Chris Wakelin isn’t shying away from a perceived slight. The snooker professional openly acknowledges a feeling that Stephen Hendry, the seven-time world champion, fundamentally underestimates his abilities.
Wakelin recently advanced past debutant Liam Pullen at the World Championship, a victory that seemed to further fuel the narrative. He discovered Hendry had publicly favored Pullen in their match, despite admitting he’d never actually *seen* Wakelin play.
The situation isn’t new. Wakelin recalls a previous encounter with Hendry in 2021, where he playfully jabbed at the legend’s return to the sport, only to be defeated shortly after. It’s a pattern that’s left a lasting impression.
“He obviously doesn’t rate me at all,” Wakelin stated, “because I’m not a former world champion or currently ranked number one. But my focus remains solely on my own game.” He’s accustomed to criticism, understanding it’s inherent in competitive sports.
Hendry’s commentary, particularly on his YouTube channel CueTips, has highlighted Wakelin as a “lesser seed” – a player opponents might prefer to face. This assessment, while perhaps strategically intended, hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Despite the perceived lack of respect, Wakelin holds immense admiration for Hendry’s achievements. He acknowledges the sheer difficulty of winning any tournament, let alone seven World Championships.
A playful glint enters Wakelin’s eye when discussing the possibility of Ronnie O’Sullivan surpassing Hendry’s record. “Oh yeah, just to see his face at the end,” he chuckled, envisioning Hendry’s commentary role during a potential O’Sullivan victory.
Wakelin’s current form is strong. He battled back from a 5-5 tie against Pullen, unleashing a barrage of half-centuries to secure his place in the last 16. He’ll face either Neil Robertson or Pang Junxu on Saturday.
Interestingly, a potential rematch with Robertson holds significance. Wakelin previously defeated the Australian in the first round of last year’s tournament, adding another layer of intrigue to his championship run.
For Wakelin, the focus isn’t on proving Hendry wrong, but on continuing to elevate his own game. He’s a competitor driven by self-belief, ready to navigate the pressures of the World Championship and silence any lingering doubts – one frame at a time.
