General Non Football Sports Chat

Stephen Hendry has retired from tournament snooker, the seven-times world champion announced on Tuesday night, after losing 13-2 to Stephen Maguire in the world championship quarter-finals at the Crucible.

"I only told two or three people, but this is me finished from tournament snooker," Hendry said. "It was quite an easy decision. There's a few reasons. The schedule didn't help.

"The fact that I'm not playing the snooker I want to play didn't help. The fact I'm not enjoying practice doesn't help.

"I want to do other things. I've got a lot of commitments now in China, which I've signed up for, and I can't do that and play snooker because I would never be at home. The time is right for me. If I'd have won the title it would have been an even better way to go out. I'm delighted I made a maximum here, that's why I was more animated than normal when making it. I was delighted to do it on my last appearance here."

Hendry beat Stuart Bingham in the first round at the world championship this year, firing a 147 break in the process, and then knocked out the reigning champion, John Higgins, in round two.

Retirement, though, was always at the back of his mind, with Hendry knowing whoever beat him would be the last man to do so. That player turned out to be Maguire who said: "I'm shocked. I totally wasn't expecting that there. I don't know why [he is retiring]. I'm speechless.

"He's left a great legacy. He's the best player to ever pick up a cue in my eyes. It's going to take someone to win a lot of tournaments to equal him."

The 42-year-old Hendry went on to explain his long-held plans to quit the sport. "It was not a spur-of-the-moment thing," he said. "I thought about it last year but two or three months ago I just decided enough was enough."

This was Hendry's 27th consecutive appearance at the world championship, having lost to Willie Thorne on his debut in 1986. He was world champion in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999, and reaching further finals in 1997 and 2002.

Reflecting on his favourite Crucible memories, Hendry said: "I've had so many it's hard to pinpoint special ones. My first win here, obviously the seventh world title, making maximums, I could write a book on the memories I've had here."

He insisted it was no time to shed a tear. "No, not really. I've never been the most emotional person even when I win. It's sad that I won't play here again. I love playing here, but no, it's a relief as much as anything."

England's Jimmy White paid tribute to the Scot, who beat White in four Crucible finals in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994. They have retained a keen rivalry despite drifting down the rankings. "He was and is an unbelievable snooker player and has nothing to prove I hope he enjoys his retirement he really deserves it," said White.

"He's always put snooker first, been a model professional, credit to the game and I'll see him in the legends tour this year for more battles. I thank him sincerely for some of the best matches and memories of my own career. I'm not sure his records will ever be equalled."

Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, wrote on Twitter: "Most successful snooker player of all time, Stephen Hendry retires. Can't believe it."

The former world No3 Neal Foulds added: "Probably the greatest snooker player ever. I wish him well with whatever he does outside of playing."

Elsewhere on day one of the quarter-finals at the Crucible, Ronnie O'Sullivan trailed Australia's Neil Robertson 5-3 after their opening session, Ali Carter was ahead by the same score against the Welsh qualifier Jamie Jones and Matthew Stevens led Ryan Day 11-5.

One of the all-time greats retired last night. One second he was talking about being capable of still winning the World Title after stuffing Higgins and next he's thumped and retires.

He's clearly been keen to retire for a while now having mentioned it the past couple of seasons. Makes sense now with having to play in the more frequent events. Disappointing final defeat but nice for him to get a 147 in his final tournament.

Anyway, c'mon the Rocket!