Stephen Hendry steps back into the professional snooker arena on Monday, a return met with a spectrum of expectations – and a healthy dose of skepticism from his peers.
The Crucible Cup, a two-day event in Reading, features a formidable lineup including Hendry, Mark Williams, John Higgins, and Neil Robertson. But this isn’t the snooker of old; the tournament will be played under “900 rules,” a fast-paced format with 15-minute frames, a shot clock, and generous ball-in-hand rulings after fouls.
Hendry faces a daunting first challenge against Robertson, a match few believe he can win. His previous attempt at a comeback in 2020 yielded little success, and the years since his initial retirement in 2012 weigh heavily on the assessment of his chances.
Mark Williams, a close friend and rival, didn’t mince words, bluntly predicting a 6-0 defeat. Yet, beneath the playful jab lies a recognition of Hendry’s past brilliance and a hint of regret that his friend may have walked away too soon.
Williams recalled Hendry’s 2012 World Championship exit, marked by a stunning 147 break alongside a crushing 13-2 loss to Stephen Maguire. He suggested Hendry may have struggled to accept consistent defeats, despite still being a top 32 player at the time of his retirement.
Not everyone shares Williams’ pessimism. Ronnie O’Sullivan, known for his insightful observations, believes Hendry has a genuine opportunity in this unique format. The 900 rules, with their ball-in-hand advantage, could level the playing field and allow Hendry’s potting prowess to shine.
O’Sullivan recounted recent practice sessions with Hendry in Saudi Arabia, witnessing firsthand his enduring ability to construct impressive breaks, even a flawless century. He firmly believes Hendry shouldn’t be dismissed.
O’Sullivan also highlighted the potential for an unexpectedly thrilling match between Mark Selby and Xiao Guodong. The 900 rules, he argues, will transform what might have been a slow-burning contest into a rapid, captivating spectacle.
The tournament schedule begins Monday with Higgins versus Hawkins, followed by Hendry’s clash with Robertson. The evening session features Selby against Guodong and Williams facing Wilson. Semi-finals are set for Tuesday afternoon, culminating in the final that evening.
The event is available to watch on Pluto Snooker 900 and the Pluto TV app, offering fans a chance to witness this intriguing experiment in snooker’s evolution and see if a legend can recapture a spark of his former glory.
