Stephen Hendry reveals snooker return plans after abrupt live TV comeback

Stephen Hendry may have rolled back the years at the Pluto Snooker 900, but don’t expect that to become a regular occurrence.

The 56-year-old was one of five former world champions to take part in the event in Reading, where the winner would take home £70,000.

It also marked Hendry’s return to televised snooker and his first competitive match since he came up against Ross Muir at the Welsh Open nearly two years ago.

However, the Scot’s time at the eight-man tournament came to an abrupt end as he was beaten 6-2 by Australia’s Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals.

In the contest, Hendry showed flashes of his old self throughout and even made a century break.

But when asked if the competitive fire had returned to the point where he would properly launch a comeback, Hendry quickly shut down such talk.

What did Stephen Hendry say about a potential comeback?

“I enjoyed it, but no,” Hendry said.

“I can’t deal with some of the s*** shots I play now.

“I made a century break, so I’m happy with that. But I don’t have the time to practise.

“I’m too busy with my YouTube channel, my commentary and going to China.

“I’ve been hitting the ball well.

“I’ve managed to find the pause on my back swing again but not because I’ve practised.”

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How did Stephen Hendry’s match against Neil Robertson unfold?

In their quarter-final clash, Robertson got off to a blistering start against Hendry as he won the first frame 129-0.

The Australian reeled off the next two frames, although Hendry threatened to make the third a little interesting when he had a 50-21 lead only to leave a red painstakingly short of the pocket.

But it seemed as if being 3-0 down sparked Hendry into life as he won the fourth frame.

The seven-time world champion then chalked up a century break in the fifth with a 100-8 clearance.

However, with only one frame between them, Robertson rediscovered his form from earlier in the contest and ran away with the match.

In a small sliver of comfort for Hendry, he lost to the man who went on to win the event.

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Following his quarter-final victory over the Scot, Robertson beat four-time world champion Mark Selby 6-2 in the semi-finals.

He then secured the crown and £70,000 with a 7-5 victory over John Higgins in the final.