LESS than four weeks ago, Stephen Hendry tore into Mark Williams and branded his performance ‘horrific’.
But how things can change.
4
4
4
Seven-time world champion Hendry and Williams, who’s won snooker’s top prize three times, have traded barbs on several occasions in recent weeks.
Things came to a head at the British Open last month.
Williams suffered a shock first round exit back then, losing 4-1 to Rory Thor in convincing fashion.
Hendry, who was on punditry duty, didn’t pull any punches as he savaged the Welsh Potting Machine.
The Scots legend blasted Williams’ showing as “horrific” and put the blame firmly on the Welshman’s new cue.
Williams hit back by telling Hendry: “It’s easy in the commentary box, isn’t it?
“We’ve seen his comeback, how that ended up. He can’t say too much.”
Hendry, 55, retired for the second time earlier this year after making a dramatic return to snooker in 2020, eight years on from his initial retirement.
While Williams endured a nightmare at the British Open, it was anything but this weekend.
That’s because he WON the Champion of Champions event.
Williams won it for the first time in his career, seeing-off China’s Xiao Guodong 10-6 in the final.
It saw him scoop a cool £150,000 in prize money.
As it happened, the tournament was broadcast live on ITV Sport – where Hendry is a pundit.
That meant that after being presented with the trophy, Williams headed up to the studio for his post-game interview.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, he couldn’t resist taking a shot at Hendry after last month’s brutal criticism.
Fellow pundit Alan McManus asked Williams: “Can you tell us one thing, the difference between five, six weeks ago at the British Open when you played poorly and tonight?”
Williams pointed to the very thing Hendry had blasted him over at the time.
He replied: “It’s quite simple. I had a new cue which I knew I was going to struggle, knew I’d lose maybe two or three first rounders.
4
Stephen Hendry career achievements
Seven-time World Snooker Champion
Youngest-ever winner of World Championship
Six-time Masters Champion
Five-time UK Championship winner
18 Triple Crown tournament wins
36 ranking titles
Nine seasons as World No1
Awarded MBE in 1994
Two-time BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year
“I wasn’t worried about that because I really like my new cue and I knew it’d come good.”
Turning away from the camera, Williams took the change to aim a dig at Hendry.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
He continued: “I’ve been getting slated by a lot of people for changing cues – I’m not going to mention any names, Hendry, but it’s starting to come alright now and all of a sudden the cue – best thing I’ve ever had in my hands.
Turning to Hendry, Williams added: “Strange old world.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
