Stephen Hendry has made it clear that he has no intention of competing in the World Seniors Championship again, despite Ronnie O'Sullivan's decision to enter the tournament for the first time. The 57-year-old snooker legend, who shares the record of seven World Snooker Championship titles with O'Sullivan, has participated in the senior event six times previously but has now ruled out a return.
Hendry's Decision
During a live stream on his Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel, the Scot was asked if he had been watching the tournament, which began on Wednesday, May 6. He replied: "No, I've not been watching it." When questioned about the possibility of entering again in the future, he added: "No, I doubt I'll play in it again. I'm too busy doing this and I don't really want to practise anyway. I'm interested to watch it. Obviously, Ronnie's playing this year, which is quite incredible. So, a small interest in how he's going to do."
Hendry last competed in the World Seniors Championship in 2023, where he lost to Alfie Burden in the quarter-finals. His best performances came in 2013 and 2020, reaching the semi-finals on both occasions, but he never progressed beyond that stage in his six appearances.
O'Sullivan's Debut
Ronnie O'Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has grabbed headlines by entering the senior event for the first time. He was drawn against Ken Doherty in the second round, marking his return to the Crucible shortly after being knocked out by John Higgins at the same stage of the World Snooker Championship. O'Sullivan's participation has generated significant excitement around the tournament, with other legendary figures also taking part.
Ali Carter and Matthew Stevens are among the players who have already secured their places in the senior quarter-finals. Defending champion Alfie Burden, however, has been eliminated, failing to retain the £30,000 top prize.
Impact on the Seniors Tour
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis has discussed how O'Sullivan's decision to participate can help raise the profile of the event. He told the Mirror: "Playing in the Seniors will never be a commercial decision for Ronnie. We're not at that level yet, although I hope we will be one day. Ronnie being in the event elevates everything about it."
Francis added: "All the players I've spoken to, they're not thinking, 'Ronnie's in the field now, that's one more player I've got to beat.' It's, 'Oh my god, imagine if I get to play Ronnie live on Channel 5 in the World Seniors.' They want to play him." He continued: "If the likes of Ronnie and Ali Carter can bring extra profile to the Seniors - the money on offer isn't going to change their lives - but the perception of the tour and what it means to lower-ranked players and amateurs is immeasurable."
Hendry, meanwhile, remains focused on his other commitments and shows no sign of changing his mind about a return to competitive senior snooker, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if he had chosen to follow O'Sullivan's path.
