Scots snooker legend Hendry ends career after 13-2 defeat

The 43-year-old Scottish legend of the baize quit after a 13-2 loss to Stephen Maguire in the Crucible quarter-finals. Hendry said he had decided three months ago that this would be his last season on tour and he took consolation from the 147 maximum break he made in the first round against Stuart Bingham, his third at the Crucible and 11th in all, matching Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record.

Hendry said: “It was quite an easy decision. There’s a few reasons. The schedule didn’t help. The fact that I’m not playing the snooker I want to play didn’t help. The fact I’m not enjoying practice doesn’t help. The time is right for me. If I’d have won the title it would have been an even better way to go out.

“I’m delighted I made a maximum, that’s why I was more animated than normal when making it. I was delighted to do it on my last appearance here.”

Hendry also knocked out reigning champion John Higgins in round two in Sheffield before falling short against Maguire. Hendry made 27 consecutive appearances at the World Championship, having lost to Willie Thorne on his debut in 1986. He was champion of the world in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999, reaching further finals in 1997 and 2002.

Reflecting on his favourite Crucible memories, Hendry said: “I’ve had so many. My first win here, obviously the seventh world title, making maximums, I could write a book on the memories I’ve had here.

“It’s sad that I won’t play here again. I love playing here, but it’s a relief as much as anything. I haven’t been able to play the way I’ve wanted to play for the last ten years, and it’s just ground me down and down and down.

“I keep getting beaten in first rounds and second rounds by people I still know are not as good as me. After a while it becomes too much.”

Maguire was taken aback by Hendry’s announcement, ssaying: “I’m speechless. He’s left a great legacy. He’s the best player to ever pick up a cue.”