Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has announced his retirement from snooker for a second time after declining an offer to continue competing on the main tour via a two-year invitational card. Despite his glory years between 1990 and 1999 when he won seven world titles and 36 ranking event titles, Hendry has struggled to recapture that form in recent years. He has decided to focus on his work as a pundit in the game and an ambassadorial role in China, citing lack of time for practice and physical limitations as reasons for his retirement.
Hendry expressed surprise at the high standard of play on the tour and acknowledged that his performance over the past three years has not been up to his own standards. Despite his deep knowledge of the game and skill level, he recognized that his body was not able to keep up with the demands of professional competition. World Snooker Tour confirmed Hendry’s decision not to accept the invitational tour card, citing his other work commitments such as his CueTips YouTube Channel, broadcast engagements, and ambassadorial responsibilities in China.
Throughout his career, Hendry has compiled 777 competitive centuries, which places him sixth on the all-time list. However, he will be remembered for his dominance in the 1990s when he was at the peak of his game. Fellow seven-time Crucible winner Ronnie O’Sullivan leads the list with 1,264 centuries. Meanwhile, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty has accepted an invitation to continue competing on the main circuit for the next two seasons, showing that not all veteran players are ready to retire from the sport.
As Hendry transitions into retirement from professional snooker, he will continue to contribute to the game as a commentator and ambassador. His work in China and on his YouTube channel will allow him to stay connected to the sport and share his knowledge with a wider audience. While his playing days may be behind him, Hendry’s legacy as one of the greatest snooker players of all time is secure, and he will continue to be a respected figure in the world of snooker for many years to come.
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