Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has advised rising snooker star Stan Moody to work on his attitude after watching the youngster’s British Open campaign.
Hendry, who sees similarities between himself and the 20-year-old, believes Moody needs to develop a stronger mindset when matches are not unfolding in his favour.
Moody reached the British Open quarter-finals for the second consecutive year earlier this month, but his run ended with a defeat to world No.65 Liam Highfield.
Speaking on the WST’s Snooker Club podcast, Hendry said he was disappointed by Moody’s body language during the match.
“I wasn’t happy with his attitude in the match he lost to Highfield,” Hendry explained. He suggested that Highfield’s fast playing style may have frustrated Moody, noting that the youngster appeared visibly unhappy whenever the cameras showed him sitting in his chair.
However, Hendry stressed that he likes Moody’s confidence and personality, arguing that a certain level of self-belief is important in professional snooker. At the same time, he warned the teenager not to become distracted by the way his opponent chooses to play.
According to Hendry, Moody should concentrate solely on his own game and the table rather than worrying about his opponent’s tactics or pace.
The former world champion also admitted that he experienced similar frustrations during his own early career. Hendry turned professional at just 16 and recalled competing against established players such as Rex Williams.
He acknowledged that, like Moody, he could become impatient with opponents who adopted a more defensive approach. Nevertheless, Hendry emphasised that every professional player has the right to play the game in their preferred style and deserves respect.
Moody, who recently turned 20, continues to climb the world rankings and currently occupies 39th place. His back-to-back British Open quarter-final appearances underline his progress as one of snooker’s emerging young players.
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