Hendry raises concern over British snooker future: “I think this is a sign of things to come”

Hendry raises concern over British snooker future: “I think this is a sign of things to come”

 

 

Seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry has sounded a warning about the direction of British snooker after a striking trend at a major tournament highlighted a growing shift in global power in the sport. The Scottish legend’s comments come in the wake of the recent World Grand Prix, where for the first time in a ranking event’s history, all four semi-finalists were Chinese players — underscoring how the traditional British stronghold in snooker may be under challenge.

At the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, Chinese stars Zhao Xintong, Xiao Guodong, Zhang Anda and Zhou Yuelong reached the last four of the competition, with Zhao ultimately winning the title. The dominance on display was significant: the quartet ranged in age from their late 20s to mid-30s and demonstrated impressive break-building and tactical discipline throughout the event.

Hendry, now 57 and widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, reacted to the result by expressing concern that British snooker — long regarded as the sport’s heartland — could be falling behind. “It’s a sign of things to come,” he said, describing the outcome as both a wake-up call and a symbolic moment for a new era in the game.

In his remarks, Hendry acknowledged that he does not follow every amateur or youth competition, but stressed that he has yet to see young British talent that clearly stands out as a future world champion. His words touched on both the depth of China’s emerging players and the apparent lack of breakthrough talent from the UK — a concern echoed by some fans and commentators across the snooker community.

Hendry pointed to the influence of Zhao Xintong’s rise — including his 2025 World Championship victory — which he believes has inspired other Chinese competitors to elevate their game. While he was careful not to overstate the case, suggesting that such dominance might not become a regular pattern in the next two to three years, Hendry did foresee this becoming a more common trend over the next five to ten years.

His comments come amid broader discussions about snooker’s global landscape. In recent seasons, Chinese players have steadily climbed the rankings, with multiple faces from the region breaking into the world’s top tiers. Analysts have noted both the expanding infrastructure for training in China and the growing popularity of the sport there, factors that could sustain this momentum.

For British snooker, Hendry’s remarks underline a potential shift in the balance of power. While British players such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Selby remain household names and continue to compete at high levels, the concern is about what comes next — the next generation that can consistently challenge at the very top.

Whether Hendry’s prediction proves accurate, his comments have sparked debate and reflection within the snooker community. For many, his observations provide a timely reminder that the sport is evolving — and that maintaining British relevance at the highest level may require fresh talent, renewed focus on development pathways, and perhaps a greater emphasis on engaging young players in the game.