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Metro
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Stephen Hendry makes Zhao Xintong prediction and Ronnie O'Sullivan comparison
Stephen Hendry feels world champion Zhao Xintong has an air of Ronnie O'Sullivan about him and expects plenty more success to come in his future. The 28-year-old beat Mark Williams to win his first world title in Sheffield in May, completing a remarkable return to the game. Zhao sat out for two years after a ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, although he did not fix any matches himself, which is why his punishment was relatively light. In his first World Championship since his return he won four qualifying matches just to reach the Crucible, where he brushed aside Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, O'Sullivan and Williams. Already a UK Championship and German Masters champion before he was banned in January 2023, the Cyclone was very highly thought of as an incredible talent on the baize and that has only been further cemented by his Crucible exploits. Hendry feels he makes the sport look easy in a way no one has since the Rocket came on the scene and expects multiple world titles in Zhao's future. 'I think Xintong is a special, special talent,' Hendry said on his Cue Tips YouTube channel. 'Since Ronnie O'Sullivan, no one's made the game look as easy as Zhao Xintong makes it look. 'He won the World Championship at a canter, really. Okay the draw opened up for him and he could have played other players but you can only beat who is in the other chair and he did it so comfortably. 'I think he's got that special something…if he didn't win another two or three World Championships I'd be very, very surprised. I think he's capable of being at the top of the sport. 'Obviously you've still got players like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, the Selbys and Shaun Murphys of this world, who are going to be up there. But I think this guy he seems level headed enough and if he can get used to the expectations on his shoulders, I think he can go on to do special things in the sport.' Zhao is yet to play since he downed Williams 18-12 in the Crucible final, with his first match of the new season coming at the Shanghai Masters at the end of this month. He has been busy, though, with his profile exploding in China thanks to becoming the first winner of the World Snooker Championship from the country. The sport is extremely popular in China and while he is set to make plenty of cash from the opportunities which will now present themselves as world champion, he will also have to deal with the pressure of fame. Speaking to Hendry, Zhao said: 'I think it's a big change for me, life's changed, I've got a little bit famous in China. When I walk on the road, fans know me, I'm very happy I can feel that. 'I'm looking forward to next season. I know the season has started now, so I've watched some matches on my phone. I'm looking forward to my first match at the Shanghai Masters. 'When you're famous you get big pressure, I know that but I will try to keep to myself, just keep going, don't think a lot about the media and the internet. I just want to keep to myself.' Beaten finalist Williams also compared Zhao to a young Rocket, saying at the Crucible: 'He's close to as good to watch as O'Sullivan when he was younger. He just walks around the table as if he's just walking to go to the toilet or something. 'He's just strolling. Pots from anywhere. Walks around not a care in the world. Two minutes later he's on 65. Gee whizz! He's got to sixty like that. Frightening.' More Trending While the Welshman can also see the Cyclone breezing to more world titles, he does not see Zhao matching O'Sullivan and Hendry's record of seven, or the Rocket's eight Masters and UK Championship titles. 'No. I don't think anyone will ever challenge them records because the standard is too good to get that many Worlds and Masters and UKs it's too tough,' said Williams. 'Who knows? But it will be highly unlikely.' The Shanghai Masters gets underway on July 28, with Zhao due to play either Chris Wakelin or a wildcard player on July 30. It will be the first time Zhao has played in the current non-ranking version of the Shanghai Masters, which was won last season by Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan on the four editions prior to last year. MORE: Snooker icon warns rivals about 16-year-old rookie with huge future ahead of him MORE: Stephen Hendry puts Ronnie O'Sullivan second in top five snooker players to watch MORE: The players who had dream and nightmare first weeks of the snooker season
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Snooker rule change could yet come into effect with boss open to it after Shaun Murphy demand
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has admitted he'd be open to looking at shot times in snooker after Shaun Murphy's call for the introduction of shot clocks World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has revealed he's willing to examine shot times in snooker following Shaun Murphy 's call for shot clocks to be introduced. The former world champion made his proposal last December after criticising Mark Allen for what he claimed was intentional slow play during the UK Championship semi-final against Barry Hawkins whilst working as a BBC commentator. Following Allen's social media response to Murphy's commentary, the 42-year-old addressed his fellow professional on his Onefourseven Podcast, proposing that shot clocks would help officials sidestep issuing slow play warnings to players. "I'd bring in a shot clock," Murphy declared last year. "And I've been saying this for 20 years, so I'm super-consistent on this." When co-host Phil Seymour enquired about the time limit per shot, Murphy replied: "30 seconds. I think a shock clock that is unemotive, unemotional – it can't be swayed, it's not open to opinion – takes all of the pressure off the referees. "This section of the rules puts our referees in a terrible position where some of them get involved and warn a player who's fighting. If we had shot clock, and you can negotiate on 30 seconds... years ago, I got widely criticised for wanting a shot clock. "Now the tide is starting to turn, not in totality, but it is starting to turn and I think, in years to come, we'll see it become a thing." Ferguson recently featured on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips, where he discussed potential changes to the professional snooker tour. "I think we've always got to be open-minded about change," Ferguson responded when asked by the Scottish snooker legend. He then shared his willingness to consider an in-depth examination of shot times, adding: "Dress code is something you can tamper with a little bit but I'd still like to see the big events protected. One thing I'd like to see is perhaps a more open look at shot times." The Express reports how Hendry was more conservative regarding alterations to major tournaments, saying: "The major events I don't think you need to muck around with. The World Championship should always be the hardest test. Stamina, skill, bottle, everything." Reflecting on last year's disagreement between Murphy and Allen, where the former accused the latter of slow play, it was 'The Magician' who expressed "admiration" for Allen's tactics. "I'm employed by the BBC to call the game as I see it, and that's what I did. I don't remember ever saying that there was anything wrong with what he did," he mentioned on the podcast. "I said he was perfectly within his rights, perfectly within the rules. And if I'm totally honest, I was watching in admiration because he was breaking down a player who the day before had slaughtered me."
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Snooker chief willing to listen over huge rule change after Shaun Murphy plea
Shaun Murphy had an idea to eliminate slow play from snooker (Image: BBC) World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has expressed his willingness to potentially implement shot clocks in snooker. It comes following Shaun Murphy's call for their introduction. The former world champion raised the issue last December, criticising Mark Allen for slow play during his UK Championship semi-final against Barry Hawkins while providing commentary for the BBC. Murphy, who addressed the matter on social media after Allen's rebuttal, further discussed it on his Onefourseven Podcast, advocating for a shot clock to alleviate the burden on officials around slow play warnings. "I'd bring in a shot clock," Murphy declared last year. "And I've been saying this for 20 years, so I'm super-consistent on this." In conversation with co-host Phil Seymour regarding the duration each shot should be allotted, Murphy suggested: "30 seconds. I think a shock clock that is unemotive, unemotional – it can't be swayed, it's not open to opinion – takes all of the pressure off the referees. "This section of the rules puts our referees in a terrible position where some of them get involved and warn a player who's fighting. "If we had shot clock, and you can negotiate on 30 seconds... years ago, I got widely criticised for wanting a shot clock. "Now the tide is starting to turn, not in totality, but it is starting to turn and I think, in years to come, we'll see it become a thing." The WPBSA chief had his say on Murphy's shot clock suggestion Earlier this week, Ferguson appeared on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips, where he was asked by the Scotsman about potential changes to the professional tour. "I think we've always got to be open-minded about change," Ferguson replied. He expressed his willingness to reconsider shot times, saying: "Dress code is something you can tamper with a little bit but I'd still like to see the big events protected. One thing I'd like to see is perhaps a more open look at shot times." However, Hendry was hesitant to alter the sport's major tournaments, stating: "The major events I don't think you need to muck around with. The World Championship should always be the hardest test. Stamina, skill, bottle, everything." Mark Allen and Shaun Murphy got into a spat last December (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) Murphy discussed the controversy between himself and Allen last year, where he had praised Allen's strategy later in his podcast. He said (via the Express): "I'm employed by the BBC to call the game as I see it, and that's what I did. I don't remember ever saying that there was anything wrong with what he did. "I said he was perfectly within his rights, perfectly within the rules. And if I'm totally honest, I was watching in admiration because he was breaking down a player who the day before had slaughtered me."
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
World Snooker Championship star opens up about ‘horrendous' experience before Crucible
World Snooker Championship star opens up about 'horrendous' experience before Crucible Former World Snooker Champions Neil Robertson and Stephen Hendry have both had to go through the Judgement Day qualifying round in their careers Neil Robertson detailed his "horrific" experience on Judgement Day (Image: Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images ) Neil Robertson revealed his "horrendous" experience at attempting to qualify for the World Snooker Championship with fellow snooker icon Stephen Hendry. The Australian provided a behind-the-scenes look into the gruelling final qualifying round, known as Judgement Day, where 32 players compete for a coveted spot in the main draw against one of the 16 seeded players. To reach this stage, snooker stars must endure three initial rounds, culminating in the high-stakes Judgement Day, just days before the main tournament commences. After slipping out of the top 16 in the world rankings in 2024 following a semi-final loss at the World Open, Robertson faced the daunting task of navigating the qualifying rounds for the first time since 2006. His Judgement Day encounter ended in heartbreak, as he suffered a 10-9 defeat to Jamie Jones, marking his first absence from the major tournament draw in 20 years. During an appearance on Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel, Robertson reflected on the growing popularity of Judgement Day, which Hendry noted had "become quite a big thing". Article continues below The 43-year-old said: "It was horrendous to be a part of last year, as much as I was trying to talk it down and just be like, 'Oh yeah it's [fine].' Robertson discussed the concept of Judgement Day with Stephen Hendry (Image: @stephenhendryscuetips/YOUTUBE ) "It's just absolutely horrific because the players there, you can just sense their desperation, of everyone around you, and when I was there last year, all the players were just looking at me like, 'Oh my god, what are you even doing here.'" Hendry shared his own experience of Judgement Day from when he first retired in 2012, noting that the final qualifying round "wasn't built up like it is now". The Scotsman triumphed over Yu Delu 10-6 in the fourth round that year, but declared his first retirement from snooker after a loss to Stephen Maguire in the quarter-finals. Robertson did commend the organisation of Judgement Day for its professionalism, suggesting that it provides a good warm-up for the main event. Neil Robertson opened up about his experience on Judgement Day (Image:) He added: "In fairness, they've actually done a great job, they've set it up like basically almost like a venue. I don't know if you've seen it? "It's set up open, like a main venue now so tables one and two at the qualifiers for the World Championships, you actually feel as though you are playing at a venue – obviously just without the live TV cameras." Article continues below By the time of the 2025 World Championship, Robertson had climbed back into the top 16 of the overall rankings, allowing him to bypass Judgement Day. However, the former world No. 1 was knocked out early by Chris Wakelin, who beat him 10-8 in the first round. Zhao Xintong triumphed over Mark Williams in the final, making him the first World Champion from China, while Robertson didn't make it past the second round of the major tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Stephen Hendry quizzed about snooker comeback and offers immediate response
Stephen Hendry quizzed about snooker comeback and offers immediate response Stephen Hendry made a snooker comeback in 2020 but has now addressed the recent speculation as to whether he would consider another return to the baize following his retirement Stephen Hendry has lifted the lid on his thoughts behind another potential return from retirement (Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images ) Legendary seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry has admitted he has no plans for another snooker comeback. The 56-year-old was joined by Australian snooker star Neil Robertson on his YouTube channel when asked if he would consider another comeback from the sidelines. Hendry initially retired from professional snooker in 2012 after an illustrious 27-year career which saw him win 18 Triple Crown tournaments. He also secured a record-breaking seven World Snooker Championship titles, which was later matched by Ronnie O'Sullivan. The snooker legend also competed in 57 ranking finals and emerged victorious in an impressive 36 of them. The Scot is high in the debate of the sport's greatest players, but he isn't motivated to add to his illustrious record in future. He made a surprise return to the sport in 2020 when he accepted a two-year invitational tour card for the main World Snooker Tour. He attributed his decision to improved form and confidence, but those same factors are no longer in play. Hendry potted the black ball while playing Robertson on his Cue Tips YouTube channel (via the Daily Express), which led the 2010 world champion to ask: "You going to make a second comeback with the way you're playing?" Hendry simply answered with a smile: "No." Despite only securing three wins out of 20 matches during his four-year second tenure on the tour, Hendry announced his second retirement from snooker last year. That was despite being offered the opportunity to continue on the main tour with a two-year invitational card. Article continues below The seven-time world champion has already made one comeback after previously hanging up his cue (Image: VCG via Getty Images ) Since then, he has focused on his punditry work and his YouTube channel, which is nearing 400,000 subscribers. On top of that, he also co-hosts the Snooker Club podcast with Mark Watson. Despite his legendary status in snooker, Hendry modestly excluded himself from his own snooker Mount Rushmore when asked to pick five icons for induction into the Snooker Club's Hall of Fame. But a collection of other wizened stars did make the cut, with obvious pick Ronnie O'Sullivan included at the top. "It's very close between Mark Williams and John Higgins, I'd prefer to have them joint-second," he said. "I'll go with Mark just because of his recent record against John at the Crucible. Hendry made the revelation on his Cue Tips YouTube channel (Image: StephenHendry'sCueTips/Youtube ) "He is a freak of nature, he has the best temperament of any sportsman I have seen. He maybe hasn't got the cue power of others, but he has great touch, and he is just a brilliant potter." Article continues below Williams recently finished runner-up to Zhao Xintong in the 2025 World Snooker Championship. And at 50 years old, he became the oldest player ever to make the final of the competition, possibly giving some fans hope there's life in Hendry yet as a competitor. Hendry then positioned Mark Selby, a four-time world champion, in fourth place. And he deliberated over including either current world No. 1 Judd Trump or six-time world champion Steve Davis for the fifth spot. "In fifth could be Judd Trump because of what he has won and his centuries, but he only has one world title," he said. "So I'm going for Steve Davis based on his utter domination of the 1980s."
