Stephen Hendry has warned Steve Davis against using the "C-word" after the latter suggested he should make a comeback during a live snooker exhibition at the Crucible Theatre. The two former world champions were filming a preview of the 2026 World Championship for Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube channel when the exchange occurred.
With the pair sharing a frame in front of an audience in the theatre's foyer, Hendry potted a tricky black and sent it into the pack of reds. Davis, impressed by the shot, joked: "I think you should make a comeback, it's just amazing." Hendry, however, was quick to respond: "Don't say that word – the C-word! There's plenty of C-words you could call me, but don't say comeback!"
Hendry, a seven-time world champion, last played on the professional tour in 2024. He initially retired in 2012 before returning in 2020, but failed to progress beyond the second round of a ranking event in four years. The 57-year-old has blamed his difficulties on "the yips" – involuntary spasms that affect his cueing.
Speaking earlier this year, Hendry admitted he believes he could still compete at the highest level were it not for the condition. "I developed yips in my game, which stopped me from being able to play half the shots probably that I wanted to play," he said. "I think definitely I've had too much coaching and too many different ideas. I wish if I could click my fingers and go back in time, I could cue like I cued when I started playing snooker."
