I started playing snooker when I was 13 then hit my first 147 a year later aged 14, reveals Crucible legend
He also attempted to settle an age-old sporting debate
BREAK SILENCE I started playing snooker when I was 13 then hit my first 147 a year later aged 14, reveals Crucible legend
HAVE you ever wondered how long it took Stephen Hendry to hit his first 147?
As you would probably expect, the seven-time world champion scored his first maximum break in what could be record time.
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Stephen Hendry is one of snooker's greatest ever players
Credit: Alamy
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He made 11 official maximum breaks in his career
Credit: AFP
Hendry, 56, made his first official 147 break in May 24, 1992, during a Matchroom League clash against Willie Thorne when he was aged 23.
But according to the man himself, he achieved the incredible feat for the first time in practice NINE years earlier.
That's despite him only picking up a cue for the first time 12 months prior to that.
Hendry joined The Golf Supply YouTube channel for an interview during a round of golf at the Centurion Club for an event organised by Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison.
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The Scot was quizzed about his career in snooker throughout the 18-hole round, and in the discussion he was asked when he hit his first maximum.
"In practice? When I was 14," said Hendry.
Pressed on when he actually began playing the sport, he said: "About a month before my 13th birthday. I got a wee table for Christmas and basically within two or three weeks I made 50 breaks.
"It could just do it, it was just natural. After six months I made my first century in a full size table."
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Hendry also attempted to settle an age-old sporting debate which involves snooker, golf, and darts.
Which is harder? Hitting a 147, getting a hole-in-one, or a nine-darter?
Stephen Hendry 'threw microphone' in ITV commentary box after getting frustrated with snooker star
The Crucible legend had an interesting take on the subject.
Asked if he believes a 147 is the hardest, Hendry unsurprisingly replied: "Oh god, yeah, absolutely. You've got to be perfect for 36 shots. Once you're out of position then you can't stay on the black."
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But he continued: "Someone told me an interesting way of looking at it. He said if it's all professionals in their sport doing it, what's the hardest?
"A professional (golf player) trying to get a hole in one? That could be the hardest."
Stephen Hendry career achievements
Seven-time World Snooker Champion
Youngest-ever winner of World Championship
Six-time Masters Champion
Five-time UK Championship winner
18 Triple Crown tournament wins
36 ranking titles
Nine seasons as World No1
Awarded MBE in 1994
Two-time BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year
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