Snooker legend Stephen Hendry wins first main-draw match since comeback at British Open

Stephen Hendry has gained his first match at a significant event since the seven-time snooker world champion got here out of retirement. 

The legendary determine, 52, got here again final yr having walked away from the sport again in 20212. 

His return has been underwhelming and solely managed to enter a handful of tournaments attributable to a two-year wildcard however confirmed indicators of enchancment on Tuesday in beating Chris Wakelin. 

Stephen Hendry gained his first main-draw sport since getting back from retirement 

Hendry edged out Wakelin 3-2 within the first spherical of the British Open at Morningside Arena. 

It was his second victory since dusting off the cue to make his comeback, the first coming in opposition to Jimmy White. 

There had been indicators of nerves for each gamers and it was the first time Hendry had performed in entrance of supporters, 600 in complete, since shedding to Stephen Maguire at the World Championship 9 years in the past. 

Hendry’s highest break within the match was simply 47 and his long-time good friend and three-time world champion Mark Williams wrote on Twitter: ‘This ain’t the worst match I’ve ever seen – however it’s definitely within the prime two.’

Hendry mentioned he was not capitalising on the probabilities he managed to create however nonetheless gained

After the match, Hendry mirrored: ‘I’m very happy to win the match, that’s the purpose – to get the ‘W’.

‘There was good things in there, however I’m additionally trying at the stats.

‘A highest break of 47 – I had numerous possibilities to make greater than that and my scoring has acquired to be higher.

Chris Wakelin went down 3-2 in opposition to Hendry to be dumped out of the competitors

‘I used to be creating openings and never capitalising.

‘Match sharpness is an enormous factor, being on the market within the pit. You should get that feeling again, and that composure.

‘I’m hitting the ball nicely and it’s getting higher and higher day by day. That is encouraging. I do know it has to get higher, however I’m delighted to win.’