Snooker legend Stephen Hendry grabbed headlines for all of the wrong reasons yesterday, exposing himself as ill-informed when it comes to some of the world’s top players at the Champion of Champions tournament in Bolton.
The Scottish pundit, who was himself one of the most successful players of the 1990’s, was involved in ITV 4's coverage of the first day of the event when he was asked by presenter Jill Douglas for his thoughts on Baipat Siripaporn, the current women’s world champion.
‘Oh come on Stephen!’
ITV presenter Jill Douglas doesn’t seem overly impressed with Stephen Hendry’s admission that he’s never seen the women’s world champion play snooker. pic.twitter.com/epWofYvuOD— Talking Snooker (@TalkingSnooker) November 14, 2023
Douglas noted how it was great to have Siripaporn included at the event, before asking Hendry how impressed he has been with her play as of late.
“I have to be honest I’ve never seen her play,” he said, compounding a disappointed “oh come on Stephen” from Douglas.
He did then go on to offer some thoughts on Siripaporn, also known as Nuanthakhamjan, believing that she may be up against some stiff competition in former men’s World Champion and World No.1 Judd Trump.
“Look she’s not going to beat him, she might not even win a frame but what an experience for her to be at this event,” he said.
“It’s a prestigious event and she’s playing against the form player of the season,” he added.
I don't mind that Stephen Hendry doesn't take his job too seriously. He's earned the right to be a slacker.
— Sharpshot (@sharpshot) November 14, 2023
The interaction rose to prominence via @TalkingSnooker’s twitter account, where several different points of view were elicited.
“I don't mind that Stephen Hendry doesn't take his job too seriously. He's earned the right to be a slacker,” said one, in sharp contrast to some of the others.
On one hand there’s probably a load of low ranked players he’s never seen play and who he wouldn’t have expected to see in this event. On the other, it wouldn’t have taken him long to watch a YouTube compilation or something since he’s being paid to talk about her.
— Morgan Nock (@MorganNock) November 14, 2023
“On one hand there’s probably a load of low ranked players he’s never seen play and who he wouldn’t have expected to see in this event. On the other, it wouldn’t have taken him long to watch a YouTube compilation or something since he’s being paid to talk about her,” one comment said.
“Think it's unprofessional to turn up and not do any homework. Surely you'd go on YouTube and watch some play and look at her results before or similar. ITV should make sure all analysts do some research, before appearing on TV,” another read.
Think it's unprofessional to turn up and not do any homework. Surely you'd go on YouTube and watch some play and look at her results before or similar. ITV should make sure all analysts do some research, before appearing on TV. Seen this with John Parrott too on the BBC #Snooker
— The Mariners - Torquay (@MarinersTorquay) November 14, 2023
