Stephen Hendry receives major boost as he is handed new two-year tour wildcard

Stephen Hendry has been handed a profession lifeline regardless of the boss of World Snooker admitting he has been ‘disappointed’ by the legend’s turn-out at tournaments.

The document seven-time world champion has not performed an expert match for the reason that UK Championship in November and didn’t even enter qualifying for the Crucible this yr, regardless of popping out of retirement in 2020 after an eight-year hiatus.

However, the 53-year-old Scot stated in March that he needed to hold on and he and 1997 Crucible winner Ken Doherty have now been awarded new two-year tour wildcards.

Stephen Hendry has been awarded a two-year wildcard regardless of not enjoying since November

‘They are tremendous assets to the game,’ stated World Snooker chief govt Steve Dawson on Tuesday.

‘There’s no hiding from the actual fact we have been dissatisfied Stephen hasn’t performed extra tournaments. But we now have talked to him and he has obtained his causes for that.

‘We obviously hope he is going to play in every event because of his legendary status. We will look at the situation again in a couple of years.’

Hendry is joined by 1997 Crucible winner Ken Doherty who has additionally acquired a wildcard

Hendry, didn’t enter qualifying for the Crucible wherein the defending champion Mark Selby (pictured) was eradicated by Yan Bingtao of their second spherical match on Saturday

Dawson additionally confirmed there aren’t any plans to maneuver the World Championship away from the Crucible regardless of six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan suggesting China as a doable future venue, and 2010 winner Neil Robertson calling for it to go to a much bigger venue in Sheffield.

World Snooker have a deal to carry the event on the iconic theatre till 2027 and Dawson added: ‘At the end of our contract we will need to know where we are going.

‘But as far as we are concerned we are locked into and enjoying a wonderful agreement with Sheffield Council at the Crucible and we are not going to go anywhere else.’