Stephen Hendry Voices Astonishment at Quinten Hann's Intercontinental Journey
Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has revealed his complete shock upon discovering that fellow professional Quinten Hann undertook an extraordinary round-trip to Australia between matches at the World Snooker Championship. The seven-time world champion described the 2003 incident as "unbelievable" during a recent podcast appearance.
The Unconventional Crucible Break
During the 2003 tournament at Sheffield's iconic Crucible Theatre, Hann secured a first-round victory against 1991 champion John Parrott. With a week's gap before his second-round encounter, the Australian-born player made the remarkable decision to fly home to Australia before returning to England for his match against eventual tournament winner Mark Williams.
"I didn't know that," Hendry confessed on the Snooker Club podcast. "That's unbelievable. How can you go back to Australia between matches? That is unbelievable."
Hann's Notorious Reputation in Snooker
The incident adds to Hann's reputation as one of snooker's most unconventional characters. The former world number 14 was known for his unpredictable behavior both on and off the table.
- In 2004, Hann challenged opponent Andy Hicks to a physical fight during their first-round match at the World Championship
- The confrontation occurred after Hicks allegedly mocked Hann during their 10-4 encounter
- Hann was known for employing unusual opening shots against top players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan
Hendry recalled another peculiar incident involving Hann: "He came up to Scotland once, and he was unpredictable. He wanted to practise with me. We set up to play a best-of-nine. We broke off for the first frame, and he smashed them from the back."
The Aftermath of Hann's Australian Adventure
Despite his intercontinental journey, Hann's 2003 tournament ended decisively with a 13-2 defeat to Mark Williams in the second round. The Australian's explanation for his unconventional shot selection against top players revealed his unique perspective on professional snooker.
"I thought that if I couldn't win the second frame from all the chances I had, I shouldn't be out there," Hann said after a 5-0 defeat to Ronnie O'Sullivan in 2000. "If a professional can't win with those chances, then you are not a professional."
Career Conclusion and Legacy
Hann's professional snooker career concluded in 2006 when he received an eight-year ban for match-fixing related to the 2005 China Open. He had previously resigned his World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association membership shortly before the sanction was officially confirmed.
The revelation of Hann's Australia trip between Crucible matches adds another layer to his complex legacy in the sport, surprising even seasoned professionals like Stephen Hendry who considered such intercontinental travel during tournament breaks virtually inconceivable.
