‘It’s a sign of things to come’ – Stephen Hendry fears Brit snooker stars face storm of rivals from different country.

‘It’s a sign of things to come’ – Stephen Hendry fears Brit snooker stars face storm of rivals from different country.

 

Stephen Hendry has warned that Britain’s long-standing grip on snooker supremacy is under serious threat, claiming the rise of elite players from overseas is “a sign of things to come” for the sport.

The seven-time world champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, believes the current generation of British stars are facing a perfect storm of challengers from abroad, driven by stronger academies, deeper funding and a relentless hunger to succeed on the biggest stages.

For decades, snooker was dominated by players from the UK and Ireland, with legends such as Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Steve Davis and John Higgins defining the modern era. But the balance of power has been steadily shifting, and Hendry feels the warning signs are now impossible to ignore.

According to the Scot, young players from countries such as China, Belgium, Iran and Thailand are arriving on the professional tour more polished than ever before. Many have been immersed in structured training systems from a very early age, often playing full-time while their British counterparts juggle practice with financial pressures and fewer competitive opportunities.

Hendry has pointed to recent tournaments where British players have been knocked out early by opponents who would once have been considered outsiders. In his view, these results are not shocks anymore, but indicators of a broader trend that is reshaping the sport.

“Snooker used to be something we felt we owned,” Hendry has suggested in recent commentary. “Now you’re seeing players coming through from other countries who have no fear, no baggage, and incredible technique. That’s a sign of things to come.”

China, in particular, remains the most obvious threat. Despite setbacks in recent years, the country continues to produce a conveyor belt of talent, backed by major investment and a huge player base. Hendry believes it is only a matter of time before Chinese players once again dominate the latter stages of the World Championship on a regular basis.

But the challenge is no longer limited to one nation. Players from across Europe and Asia are breaking through, often with a level of tactical discipline and scoring power that rivals the very best Britain has to offer.

Hendry has also raised concerns about whether the UK is doing enough to nurture its next generation. While there are still standout talents emerging, he fears the pathway is not as clear or as well supported as it once was. Without change, he believes British snooker risks falling behind in a sport it helped build.

That said, Hendry insists this global surge should not be viewed entirely as a negative. A broader spread of elite players can only strengthen snooker’s appeal worldwide, raising standards and creating fresh rivalries.

For Britain’s stars, however, the message is clear. The days of expecting success based on tradition alone are gone. As Hendry sees it, the storm is already gathering — and only those willing to adapt will survive it.