Stephen Hendry comments on Shaun Murphy's snooker rule change proposal

Wales Online

28-06-2025

Stephen Hendry comments on Shaun Murphy's snooker rule change proposal
Snooker icon and Eurosport pundit Stephen Hendry has thrown his support behind Shaun Murphy's latest call for a rule change, but only under specific circumstances
Stephen Hendry isn't totally against Shaun Murphy's suggestion
(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images )
Shaun Murphy has found an ally in Stephen Hendry following his plea for a snooker rule change.
The reigning Masters champion is well known for voicing his bold views and regularly suggesting ideas to enhance the sport's appeal.
Murphy is particularly keen on the idea of adding a spot to the cue ball to indicate the level of spin applied during play. While spots are common in other cue sports, they are notably absent in snooker.
The Magician has used a spot on the cue ball on his YouTube channel, where he shares coaching techniques and strategy advice.
He said during one video: 'I'm going to keep using the spotted cue ball because we're getting some really good feedback about that.
'You guys are loving seeing the spin, how the spin manipulates the cue ball and what it's actually doing. It's great that you can see it with one of these.
Article continues below
'You know what? I actually think we should be using one of these in tournament play.
"I think that you should be able to see this when we're playing. Think about this, snooker, currently, is the only table sport and cue sport that doesn't use one of these.
"They are using it in billiards, they're using it in nine-ball, they are using it in everything. Maybe it's time that snooker moved on, just so you guys can see what's happening."
Murphy has called for snooker to make several changes
(Image: Getty )
Now, snooker legend Hendry has weighed in on the subject. When asked by Neil Robertson for his thoughts on the idea on Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel, the seven-time world champion said he would be in favour of it being applied at certain tournaments - but crucially not all.
'I think there'd be room for it in one tournament but I wouldn't like to see it rolled out in everything,' explained Hendry. 'A lot of players wouldn't like it because they'd see the unwanted side they put on the ball.'
Article continues below
Murphy has also suggested a host of other changes to shake up the sport, including implementing a shot clock and axing the foul and miss rule.
He stated at this year's Welsh Open: "I just find it so weird that we have a rule in the game that allows players to have a sighter. In my opinion, the miss rule needs to be taken out of the game altogether. I don't like the rule at all."
Meanwhile, Murphy began the new season with a crushing 5-0 victory over 14-year-old tour newcomer Michal Szubarczyk to qualify for the televised stages of the Wuhan Open in late August.