Stephen Hendry’s Crucible comeback dream dashed as seven-time champion is thrashed by world No 82 Xu Si

STEPHEN HENDRY saw his comeback Crucible dream dashed as he was thrashed by China’s Xu Si. 

The snooker legend and record seven-time world champion was humbled 6-1 by China’s world No82 Xu in the second round of qualifying. 

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Scot Hendry, 52, was playing just a third match since emerging from nine years of retirement, and as well as looking well off the pace got no luck yesterday. 

A big turning point came in the second frame when needing just the final red to secure a 2-0 lead missed it allowing an opponent 29 years his junior to level at 1-1. 

And from there Xu’s confidence soared and fluent breaks of 75, 79, 51, 66 and 72 eased him over the line. 

Hendry, 52, said: “If you don’t put your opponents under pressure, then they can relax and play their natural game. 

“I had good chances to go 2-0 ahead and after that I didn’t contribute anything to the game. My game has got to improve, it doesn’t matter where the other player is ranked. 

“I made it far too easy for him tonight. I have to bring my practice table cue action to the match table. I hit the ball dreadfully, and that drains your confidence. 

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“The pink I missed right at the end was just like one I missed against Jimmy White, and I was thinking about it. Every shot becomes a test. 

“When you miss easy shots, you start to resign yourself that the night may not go well. I didn’t expect to win four matches, but hoped I might relax more tonight.” 

For Xu it was also a huge match, and the victory a big step for his hopes of salvaging his place on tour.

This post first appeared on The Sun